12 More Alumni Added to Reasons to Believe Honor Roll

Twelve more graduates of the district are being recognized for their outstanding achievements and successes through the Reasons to Believe program.

The group has been named to the 2004 Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor roll and will be publicly recognized at a celebration set for 7 p.m. Friday, May 7 at Harmon. Staff and community members are invited to attend.

Developed in 2002, the Reasons to Believe program was designed to generate pride and celebrate the progress 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 or life work, community outreach, or in support of school activities. Sixty alumni were considered for the honor roll this year.

This year's Alumni Honor Roll includes:

• Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Richmond, Va. He is a 1985 graduate of Sumner Academy.
• DeeAnn Richards Behrens, D.D.S., of Family Dental Care. She is a 1979 graduate of Washington High School.
• Joyce A. Behrman, a 40-year employee of the Unified Government's Recreation Department. She is a 1949 graduate of Wyandotte High School.
• Ralph Brightwell, a former teacher, counselor and coach with the KCK Public Schools. He is a 1953 graduate of Argentine High School.
• Gary Cowger, president of General Motors North America. He is a 1965 graduate of Wyandotte High School.
• Randall Fears, founder and president of the financial group Randall Fears & Associates, Inc., and organist and minister of music for Mt. Zion Baptist Church in KCK. He is a 1981 graduate of Schlagle High School.
• Karen E. Jones, manager, customer relations for stamp fulfillment services, U.S. Postal Service. She is a 1979 graduate of J. C. Harmon High School.
• Linda G. Murray, assistant superintendent of Personnel Services, KCK Public Schools. She is a 1967 graduate of Sumner High School.
• Melissa L. Redway, assistant district attorney in Grant and Garfield counties in Oklahoma. She is a 1994 graduate of Sumner Academy.
• Dr. Kenneth E. Salyer, founding chairman and director of the International Craniofacial Institute and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Medical City Dallas Hospital. He is a 1954 graduate of Wyandotte High School.
• Greg Valdovino, the director of youth development for El Centro. He is a 1988 graduate of Wyandotte High School.
• V. Cheryl Womack, business woman/entrepreneur. In 1981, Womack started the National Association of Independent Truckers. She is a 1969 graduate of Wyandotte High School.

— April 8, 2004 Staff Notebook