April 20, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KCKPS Announces 2007 Reasons to Believe Honor Roll

They serve as positive role models in their careers and in their communities, and they are an inspiration to today's students.

Twelve alumni of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools have been named to the 2007 Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll. The community is invited to meet these alumni and salute their successes at the 2007 Reasons to Believe Celebration set for 7 p.m. Friday, May 4 at J.C. Harmon High School, 2400 Steele Road.

Developed in 2002, the Reasons to Believe program was designed to generate pride and celebrate the progress being made in the school district. Each year, the district selects a group of alumni to honor based on nominations from the community, staff and students. These alumni have made significant contributions in a variety of areas, such as their profession, community outreach, or in support of school activities.

The Reasons to Believe Celebration will include an update on district achievements and outstanding performances by students. Also, two high schools seniors will be recognized with $1,000 college scholarships through the generosity of McAnany, Van Cleave and Phillips, P.A.

The 2007 Alumni Honor Roll includes:

• Jason Bahr, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 1991, assistant professor of music theory and composition at Mississippi State University
• Marvin Diehl, Wyandotte High School Class of 1954, contractor and retired network services supervisor for Southwestern Bell
• Daryel Garrison, Sumner High School Class of 1971, Kidzone program specialist, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
• Teresa Valverde Pacheco, Argentine High School Class of 1971, prevailing wage/real estate specialist, Kansas City, Missouri School District
• Dr. Brenda Peet Rogers, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 1982, doctor of internal medicine and pediatrics at Children's Mercy Hospital and Truman Medical Center
• William F. (Bill) Porter, Wyandotte High School Class of 1969, partner in ownership, Porter Funeral Homes and Crematory
• Michelle Hayes Robinson, Rosedale Junior/Senior High School Class of 1973, supplier diversity manager for Sprint
• Jaime Sanchez, J.C. Harmon High School Class of 1978, creative director in the Hallmark Creative Organization, Hallmark Cards, Inc.
• JaKyta Sullivan, F.L. Schlagle High School Class of 1995, teacher and founder of the Wyandotte County Community Foundation
• Tom A. Valverde, Argentine High School Class of 1971, department manager at Hall's
• Dr. Mary Simonich Ventura, Wyandotte High School Class of 1968, special education administrator, Wyandotte Comprehensive Special Education Cooperative
• Jason Weiser, Washington High School Class of 1992, U.S. Air Force Reserves, and CEO of BGPI Consulting

Biographies of current and past Reasons to Believe alumni honor roll recipients can be viewed on the KCKPS web site at www.kckps.org/recognition/alumni.