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Contact:
Tammy Dodderidge, communications specialist, (913) 894-1611

Reasons to Believe Transformed into a Dinner Gala; Tickets on Sale Now

A successful and well-known recognition program of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) has been stepped up.

The 2008 Reasons to Believe celebration will be a dinner gala and a fund raiser for the KCK School Foundation for Excellence. It is set for Friday, May 9 at the Reardon Convention Center, 500 Minnesota Ave. Registration and the social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

KCKPS established the Reasons to Believe program 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 Alumni Honor Roll 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.

"We have expanded the program into a dinner gala for a couple of reasons," said Christal Watson, community foundation specialist. "First and foremost, we want to bring these exceptional alumni together in an elegant atmosphere for a night of unforgettable recognition, which they so deserve. Secondly, we want to host an event that not only motivates and inspires our students, staff and community, but also provides a means of monetary support for future programs and events through the Foundation."

The KCK School Foundation for Excellence has traditionally been known for its support of student scholarships for outstanding seniors. However, in the past year, the Foundation has expanded its scope of support to include teaching and learning grants for staff, enrichment grants for special programs and events, and scholarships for teachers who want to continue their education.

To date, 73 alumni have been recognized through the program for their career achievements, community support and overall successes.

Tickets for the Reasons to Believe Gala are available for $55 per person, or $100 per couple. Tables of 10 are available for $500 for families or businesses. For ticket information call Keith Jones, (913) 279-2091.

2008 Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll

• Michael P. Bautista, Ph.D., Washington High School Class of 1970, associate vice president of learning and academic affairs and dean of the center for arts and sciences at Community College of Denver
• Kim Bland, Ph.D., Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 1990, senior director of research and development at Proteon Therapeutics
• Melissa A. Bynum, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 1981, director of resource development for the American Red Cross, Wyandotte County Chapter
• Earl P. Cole, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 1989, entrepreneur/business owner/composer and winner of CBS' Survivor Fiji
• Major Burnell E. Davis, Sumner High School Class of 1966, director of campus officers for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
• Gordon Docking, Washington High School Class of 1973, broadcaster and healthcare CEO
• Susan Docking, Washington High School Class of 1973, teacher at Olathe East High School
• Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., Sumner High School Class of 1966, U.S. Chief Judge for the Western District of Missouri
• Randall P. Kancel, Wyandotte High School Class of 1971, Community Bank President for UMB Bank
• Wendell E. Maddox, Jr., Sumner High School Class of 1965, President/CEO of United Way of Wyandotte County
• John J. Mendez, Argentine High School Class of 1961, adjunct professor at Donnelly College
• Carmen Ramirez Mott, Wyandotte High School Class of 1955, tutor/deaf interpreter/paraprofessional