Their achievements and life-stories will be used to inspire today’s students as they plan for their futures. The 2014 Class of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools’ Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll has been selected.
The 12 alumni will be recognized this fall at the 2014 Reasons to Believe Celebration. The event is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, November 20 at the KCKPS Central Office and Training Center. The event is open to the public.
Members of the 2014 Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll:
• Nedra Bonds, artist-social activist, Wyandotte High School Class of 1966
• Norman Brown, jazz guitarist, Wyandotte High School Class of 1982
• Wesley Guy Burt, artist-illustrator, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 1999
• Phil Dixon, author-historian-speaker, Wyandotte High School Class of 1974
• Dr. Simone Ariana Ellis, dentist, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 2001
• Lloyd Freeman, attorney, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 2000
• A. Drue Jennings, retired CEO of KCP&L, Argentine Junior-Senior High Class of 1964
• Marcus Newsom, assistant athletic director-coach at Wartburg College, Schlagle High School Class of 1988
• LeeRoy Pitts, retired educator, Sumner High School Class of 1951
• Harold Simmons, retired police detective, Wyandotte High School Class of 1965
• R. Jayson Strickland, KCKPS administrator, Washington High School Class of 1990
• Christi Walter, health systems scientist, Harmon High School Class of 1976
Reasons to Believe was established in 2002 to generate pride and celebrate the progress being made throughout the district. As part of the program, nominations are sought for the Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll, which spotlights successful alumni to encourage and inspire today’s students. The nominations are reviewed by a panel of judges that includes representation from the Board of Education, the Reasons to Believe Steering Committee, students, business leaders, and a former Alumni Honor Roll recipient.
The 2014 Reasons to Believe Celebration annually showcases the high caliber of graduates that the district produces and brings a select group of them together with staff, students, community members, colleagues and key leaders for a night of honors.
To review past Honor Roll classes or to learn more about the program, go to www.kckps.org/recognition/alumni.
– Story from Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools