December 21, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nominations Sought for Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll

Nominations are open for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools' (KCKPS) 2008 Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll, part of a coordinated plan to spotlight alumni successes to encourage and inspire today's students.

"We want to recognize school district alumni and tell their success stories because we believe they hold tremendous power in painting a picture of opportunity for our students," said Dr. Jill Shackelford, superintendent of schools. "Many people have graduated from our district and proceeded to do great things, some as straight-forward as managing their own businesses or giving back to their community, others going on to set new standards in society."

Reasons to Believe was initiated in 2002 to generate pride and celebrate the progress being made in the school district. Each year 12 alumni are selected to be honored at a special program.

"The Reasons to Believe recipients are examples of the high caliber of students who have graduated from our district and gone on to achieve success because of their education and commitment," said Shackelford. "In addition to serving as role models for our students, we believe the Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll will underscore the key role that teachers, school administrators, and community and business leaders often play in helping students achieve success."

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the KCKPS website, www.kckps.org (click on "Community") or call (913) 279-2311 to request one.

The deadline for returning nominations is Friday, January 31, 2008.