Jospehine Brown

When Brown graduated from Wichita State University in 1950 in Education with honors, there were only two vacancies for African American teachers in teh segregated school system. She opted to be come a substitute, which began a lifelong career as an activist in education.

In 1971, she became the first African American woman elected to the Wichita USD 259 Board of Education. Brown came on the Board during at very historic moment for the district. At the time, the district was dealing with cross-busing intergration and the bond election. One of the first things she wanted to change was the history books because of the inaccurate information on people of color. She said, "I couldn't believe the story that was written on how slavery had begun!" She deceid to sit on textbook committees in order to decide on books that were diverse and culturaly aware in their curriculum.

Brown continued serving on the board throughtout the 1970s and served as board president during the 1980s. Stating that she was always in a position where she was the "first this and first that," she learned to become a "Jackie Robinson." She encourages youth to "strive for their goals."

Frank Crawford

Bio Under Construction

Dr. Evies Cranford

Although holding a PhD, and having been an assistant superintendent for Intercultural Relations in New York, the only position available for Dr. Cranford in USD 259 was as a science teacher at Hamilton Middle School. He acepted the position and brought Science to life in the classroom.

The following semester, he was asked to head the Science department. The next semester, he was tapped to be assistant principal at Curtis Middle School, and the following year, the associate principal at Wichita heights High School. After one and a half years at Heights, and four years as principal at Hamilton Middle School, he was asked to pilot Wichita's first 6th grade center, as USD 259 moved form Jr. High model to Middle School model, as principal at Jardien Middle School. The Middle School project served as a model for the district's future transitions.

Dr. Cranford moved to central administration in 1990, serving as director of secondary personnel and assistant to the superintendent for Parental Liaison, resolving issues between the district's administration, schools, and community, writing the district's ADA/504 and Affirmative Action plans. he retired from the school system in 2001, and within two months, he was the Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas.

At a time when the economy and and reduced funding had taken its toll on the agency, Dr. Cranford rallied the business community and individuals, bringing the agency out of the red, and laid the groundwork for its current multi-million dollar facility.

LaTricia Brown

Bio Under Construction

Bill Breckenridge

Billy Breckenridge was born in Okeene, Oklahoma and is the eleventh of thirteen children. He graduated from Okeene High School in 1958, where he was very active in many sports. During his senior year his class voted him “Most Likely to Succeed”. He attended Oklahoma City University for three years. In 1961, he joined the United States Air Force. After serving four years in the Air Force, He returned to college and completed his B.A. in Elementary Education at Friends University. He received both his Masters in Administration and Specialist degree from Wichita State University.

Since his first teaching assignment at Washington Elementary School in Wichita, he has completed 29 years with the Wichita Public Schools. His service included classroom teacher, math consultant, assistant principal, and principal of Payne Elementary, Kos Harris Elementary, Ingalls Elementary, and Allen Elementary. In 1992-93 school year, Ingalls changed its focus from a regular attendance center to a magnet school focusing on global education where classes chose continents to study Ingalls World of Knowledge was awarded $70,000 to take eighty five fifth graders to Washington D.C. as a year end adtivity. This trip enabled students to obtain a deeper appreciation of the global aspect of the world in which they live. As an educator, Mr. Breckenridge was active in Wichita Association of Elementary School Principal, Kansas Association of Elementary School Principal, National Association Elementary School Principal, Wichita Alliance of Black School Educators, Kansas Alliance of Black School Educators, National Alliance of Black School Educators, and NAACP. Mr. Breckenridge served on the Board of Directors for Health and Wellness, Presently on the Board of Directors for Knox Center, Inc., and President of the Northeast Wichita Optimist Club.

On September 23, 1993, Mr. Breckenridge was named “Outstanding Principal for District 1V” for the school year 1992-1993. He was named “Boss of the Year by Wichita Association of Educational Office Professionals in October 14, 1993. He was also nominated for “State Educational Administrator of the Year” and was nominated for National Educational Administrator of the Year.

Mr. Breckenridge feels that his strongest trait is his deep concern for students and his ability to communicate that concern in a positive manner for the benefit of the individual students. Mr. Breckenridge and his wife Mary have two children: Byron Breckrnridge and Marla Sallier and six grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Breckenridge attend Tabernacle Baptist Church.

After twenty nine years with the Wichita Public Schools, Mr. Breckenridge retired in June of 1999.

Mary Breckenridge

Mary Breckenridge was born in Austin, Texas to the proud parents of Robert and Severlia Humphries. She is the third of four children. Mary married Billy Breckenridge and relocated to Wichita, Kansas in 1965. A marriage of 42 years, and still growing, has given Mary and Billy two children: Byron Breckenridge and Marla Sallier, along with six grandchildren. Mary is now retired after being a devoted and committed educator in the Wichita Public Schools for thirty-seven years.

Her professional career began in 1965 as a first grade teacher at Little Elementary School. As the years evolved, Mary recognized her calling to be a true advocate for all children. She continued her own educational development, attaining a Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision in 1973 from Wichita State University. From 1973-1978, Mary was assigned Coordinator of Paraprofessionals and Volunteers for the Wichita Public Schools. Her responsibility was to recruit, train and place volunteers in Wichita Public Schools.

Mary’s leadership role as an administrator began in 1978 as an Assistant Principal at Ingalls Elementary School. As her focus continued to grow toward ensuring a positive educational environment for all children, so did Mary’s administrative responsibilities. From 1981-1999, Mary served as principal of Booth Elementary, Clark Elementary, and Gammon Elementary Schools. From 1999-2001, her last two years before retirement, Mary served as a Hearing Officer for the Wichita Public Schools.

Mary has a great passion for children and believes that it is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that our children are given every opportunity to learn to their fullest potential. Her efforts overwhelmingly represent the African proverb of, “It takes a Village to Raise a Child.” Although retired, Mary continues to work with and for all children through her endless involvement in the following community organizations: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, National Alliance of Black School Educators, Wichita Alliance of Black School Educators, National Council of Negro Woman, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Within each of these organizations, there is a commitment to enhance the educational aspect for all children in the community.

Mary plays an integral part in carrying out these commitments by serving as chairperson, along with participating in other capacities as needed. In 2002, Mary received the Janet Jackson Woman of the Year Award from the Wichita Chapter of NAACP. In May 1, 2004, Mary was awarded the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Image Award, and on May 12, 2005, Mary received the Doris Kerr Larkins Heritage Award from the Kansas African American Museum, Inc. Mary is a members of the Tabernacle Bible Church Without Walls. Mary gives all graces and glory to God for the guidance and continual blessings that are bestowed upon her.

Dr. Clyde Phillips

Bio Under Construction

Amanda Phillips

Bio Under Construction

Barbara Mackey

Bio Under Construction

Temple Hurssey

Born and raised in Nettleton, Mississippi, Temple Hurssey spent her formative years in Evergreen community of Itawamba County, Mississippi. After graduating from Pleasant Grove High School in 1955, she attended historically black university Tuskegee Institute. There, Hurssey participated in a five-year work/study program. She transferred to Rust College in Holly Springs graduating with a degree in Biology in 1960. Throughout her professional career, Hurssey strived for the betterment of children.

Shortly after obtaining her degree, she moved to Missouri. There she worked in child care services at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. In 1963, she uprooted one final time, moving to Wichita take on the role of Assistant Young Adult Director for the YMCA. From there; however, her passion gravitated towards education, ultimately leading her to obtain a Master’s Degree from Emporia State Teachers College and an Education Degree from Wichita State University. While furthering her education, she taught science for the United School District 259 from 1964 to 1978.

Afterwards, she transitioned into the roles of assistant principal for both Robinson Junior High School and North West High School from 1983 to 1985 and from 1986 to 1997 respectfully. She remained at North West until her retirement in 1997.

Shirley McGilbray

Shirley received a Bachelor of Science in Education (Elementary) from The Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia (now Emporia State University -ESU), and a Bachelor of Science of Business in Education (Secondary). She received a Masters in Education from The Wichita State University with an emphasis in Special Education/Gifted.

Her teaching career as an instructor began at William C. Little Elementary School, then she taught at Meridian Elementary School, and retired from Buckner Teaching the Arts Performing School. Her career spanned 37 years in Wichita, Kansas, (Unified School District #259).

Special awards received include: The Golden Apple Award Recipient, Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award, a selected candidate for the Kansas State Teacher of the Year, a member of the Superintendent's Career Ladder, Grow Your Own Teacher Initiative, included in the Who Who's in America, and Teacher in Charge of the School Building.

Shirley's teaching career was great and satisfying. She still keeps in touch with many of her students, their parents, and now their families. Thirty-seven years well lived!

Delvin McGilbray

Bio Under Construction

Marian McDonald

Marian Velma Scott McDonald was born April 27, 1921 to Glover L. Scott and Mamie Richardson Scott. After graduating from Wichita North High School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education on July 31, 1942 from Wichita State University.

Marian immediately began her 20 year tenure with the Wichita Public Schools as a teacher in the fall of 1942. She had a gift of motivating her students and was soon hired as a full time teacher. Marian taught at L’Ouverture from 1942 to 1947 and at Ingalls from 1956 to the end of the 1961-1962 academic year. She continued her dedication to the system and served as a substitute when she was not a full time teacher. During that time she was tending to her children.

Marian’s major teaching experiences were grades five, six, eight and music. She was sincere, patient, creative and enthusiastic as she always encouraged the best from her students. Many years her students’ voices were featured in the All City Sixth Grade Choir. They loved her and she truly loved each and every one of them. They gave her their utmost respect.

Marian married Terrence McDonald, DVM, September 15, 1946. They were the proud parents of Judith Elaine and Yvonne Diane. Marian McDonald passed July 28, 1962.

Bobbye Humphrey

Bobbye went to Friends University and eceived her Bachelors Degree. She received her Master's Degree {Social Work} from the University of Kansas, and her Post Masters at University of Chicago.

She was an important part of the civil rights movement, working alongside Chester Lews (Wichita Branch NAACP President) to advocate for the rights of people of color in Wichita, Kansas.

Bobbye is featured in Gretchen Cassel Eick's book, "Dissent in Wichita: The Civil Rights Movement in the Midwest, 1954." Humphrey's professional and community involvement and achievements are a testament to her commitment to equality, justice, and opportunity for all.

Whether, as the first black person to become as Senior Supervisor at SRS, or as the first female and first black member of the Council of Vice Presidents and Deans at WSU, helping others achieve dignity was her goal. She has devoted her life to advocating for others. Ms. Humphrey's life has not been about receiving accolades, but about service and gaining equity for all women and people of color.

Samuel Mackey

Bio Under Construction

Jessie Foust

Jessie Foust was born on July 14th, 1914 in Wichita, Kansas to Thomas and Celestine Vivian Lorance. She departed this life May 28, 2005. Jessie met and married her late husband, Lester "Tiger" Foust; Lester played football at Wichita State. He was a city fire fighter and retired as Captain of Fire Station #3.

Jessie attended school in Wichita, Kansas. She was an educator and former 6th grade teacher for 43 years retiring in 1984. She learned music and became a pianist at an early age. After graduating from Wichita State University she attained a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. plus an additional 63 hours of graudate work in English, Elementary Education, and Elementary School Music. While at WSU, she submitted a research report to the Graduate School Department of Education to fulfill requirements for a Master's Degree on "A Program of Remedial Reading for Slow Learners in the 6th Grade."

Jessie was a former member of the WSU Teacher Core and was a supervising teacher and helping teacher during 1973 and 1979. She was a model classroom teacher who demonstrated experience and excellence in rendering public service and leadership at the local, state, and national levels. Jessie's philosophy while teaching at L'Ouverture Elementary School was to provide an atmosphere of learning through a variety of methods and activities, including high expectations and self-direction of each student. Courtesy was always expected and good citizenship.

Jessie also volunteered when needed for committee participation and involvement. She was past president of the Wichita Retired Teacher's Association and Air Capital Active People. Jessie had been honored during her career by: NEA-Teacher of the Year, 1982, and was recognized as one of 20 Trailblazers by the Kansas African American Museum Trailblazer Award of 2000.

Jessie always expressed her way of life by the following poem --

"It is not what the world gives me

In honor, praise or gold;

It is what I do give the world,

So others do unfold.

If, by my work through life I can

Another should unfold,

Then I have done what cannot be

Made good, by praise or gold.


One tiny throught a tiny word

My give a great one birth.

And, if that thought was caused by me,

I lived a life of worth"
 

Betty Arnold

Betty Arnold was born in Hope, Arkansas but has lived in Wichita, Kansas for the past 50 years. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Wichita State University in December 1975. There she was selected to “Who’s Who among students in American Colleges and Universities” because of her strong advocacy for human rights.

She is married to Tommy Arnold and they have six daughters and ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Their youngest daughter whom they adopted is 11 years old.

After her 27 year career with The Department of Labor, she decided to run for the District 1 position on the Board of Education. Betty was elected in April 2007. She has served two terms as vice-president and two terms as president on the Board. The Wichita Eagle said of Mrs. Arnold “On the school board, Arnold does her homework and always ask good questions. Betty said regarding her Board tenure “It is important to keep pace with change and minimize those factors that contribute to poor and unacceptable outcomes for our students. Our future hinges on education and we cannot afford to lose even one generation in this link.” Betty is committed to equity and accountability for students and continues to be a strong advocate for public education. Her tenure on the Board ended after 10 ½ years of service.

Arnold served on the Sedgwick County Executive Board for the Democrat Party in addition to serving as Chair for the Party. She is now serving as Regional Vice-president on the Board of Directors of KASB (Kansas Association of School Boards), member of Council of Great City Schools which is comprised of the top 100 school districts in America, member of NASB (National Association of School Boards), affiliate member of the Wichita Branch of NAACP, member of League of Women Voters and the Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Hopenet Inc., a non- profit agency that serves to help meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of families.

When asked how she finds the time for her varied involvements, her response is “To whom much is given much is required” and I have been richly and abundantly blessed.

Willia Crawford

Bio Under Construction

Dr. Leonard Wesley

Bio Under Construction

Samuel Spaght

Bio Under Construction

Greg Guice

Gregory Dale Guice was born prematurely on January 8, 1952 to Dorothy Jane Guice. A wonder of God's grace, Greg began his life as a fighter, weighing only three pounds and spending several months in the prenatal intensive care. Greg was blessed to be born and raised in a strong Christian fanily. In addition to his mother, Greg received strong nurture and guidance fron his maternal grandparents Tenolia J. and Lola E. Guice. As a result, Greg acceyed Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at the New Hope Batist Church of Wichita at the age of 8 years. A lifelong Wichitan, Greg attended Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School for following in the footsteps of his older brother Michael. Under the watchful eye of "big brother" Mike, Greg developed a love for sports at an early age. He was a member of the 1962 Biddy Basketball World Championship Tean Greg had the prestigious honor of being named "Mr. Biddy" for the tournament. This accomplishment earned Greg induction into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.

Greg attended Horace Mann Jr. High and Wichita North High School where he lettered in three sports. Under the mentorship of his high school football coach, Coach Bill Himebaugh, Greg continued to refine the leadership and athletic abilities that would influence his career and life. Greg graduated from North High in 1970 and was awarded an athletic scholarslip to Friends University of Wichita, KS. At Friends, Greg played basketball fortwo years and football for four years, graduating in 1975. After gradation, Coach Himebaugh hired Greg to the assistant basketball coach positin at Wichita South High School. As assistant coach, his teams won the State championships in 1978, 1979 and 1980. He was promoted to head basketball coach at South High, winning the State Championships in 1981. Greg returner to his Junior High alma mater, Horace Mann, to coach basketball in 1986. He transferred to Wichita West High School in 1989 retiring in 2006 after 31 yeas of dedicated service to the Wichita Public School System. At West Greg taught physical education classes, as well as, coached football, basketball and track. He was a key contributor to West's State Football Championship Runner-up honors in 1997. As track coach, Gres had two 4 X 100 Relay Team State Championships.

Known as "Captain" to his family and "Coach" to his students aid peers, Greg will be remembered as a patient man that expected a lot out of his students. His motto was: "classroom first and then sports." His studeits loved his straightforward, non-partial, no nonsense approach to teaching, :oaching and life. Greg had an easygoing teaching style and was loved and appreciated for it. Greg leaves to his brother, Michael (Janice); nieces: Alicia, Mikahand Brianna; great nephews, great nieces; Uncle Franklin Guice (Cora); cousins, friends, peers and students a legacy of the faithfulness of God, redemption by God, faith in God, love for family, commitment to family, contentment in all sitiations, facing challenges with pride and dignity, peace from surrender, determination to succeed, never giving up, kindness to all, a gentle spirit, never complaining, importance of education, love for sports, self-sacrifice and enduring until the end.

Zenobia Washington

Zenobia Afford Washington was born November 3, 1940 in Clearview, Oklahoma to Willie Mae Caldwell and Sylvester Alford. The family moved to Wichita when Zenobia was very young. She attended the public schools in Wichita, graduating from Wichita High School North in 1958. She attended Friends University and received her Bachelor's Degree. She later received a Masters Degree from Wichita State University. She was an honor student throughout her elementary, high school and college years. Though she was always an honor student, she went to great lengths not to draw attention to it. After college, Zenobia started her career with USD 259 as an English and German teacher at Wichita High School South. She was the second African American to teach in the Wichita system on the high school level. Her tenure spanned over forty years with USD 259 where she taught Honors English and German at South High School, served as Assistant Principal at Northwest High School. She also served as President of NEA Wichita. And, finally, served at Diversity Coordinator for the district. She not only started the Diversity Program but developed the curriculum and taught the teachers.

Zenobia Washington, a gifted leader, teacher, writer and speaker, was able and bold enough to speak the truth in love while encouraging others to be and do their best at whatever they had set out to do. She was a sought after speaker and was active in many community organizations, including the AKA Sorority. She also received numerous awards including the NAACP Award in 2009. In June of 1963 she was united in marriage to Clifford "George" Washington, a marriage that lasted over fifty years. To this union two son, Jeff and Sean, were born, bringing joy not only to Zee and George but Rosie, Andre and Mrs. Thomas as well. Zenobia grew up in Tabernacle and for a while changed her membership.

In 1960 she restored her membership at Tabernacle under the administration of Rev. U. W. Barron. Although Zenobia loved educating teens, she was just as concerned about the education of adults. She loved it so much, she continued to educate, inspire and motivate the adults of Tabernacle to excel to higher heights, just as she did the teens on her job. Zenobia could often be found reading her favorite book, the Bible, or heard singing her favorite song "Order My Steps", yet she rarely rested. During her tenure at Tabernacle, she served in many capacities in the following ministries: Worship Arts, Women of Promise, Sunday School, Lay Academy, Education and Leadership Support Council, Scholarship Committee, Drama Ministry, TBC Cares Tutoring Program, Network Training Program and Vacation Bible School.

As she served in each of the above listed ministries, Zenobia worked closely with Pastor Montgomery to bring about structure, purpose and meaning to each ministry area as well as to instruct the ministry leaders on how to do the same. Her life, her legacy, will continue in each of us as we reflect on the impact she made on us while on this earthly journey. We love, we remember, and thank God for sharing her with us. Her husband, George; Mother Willie Mae Thomas and Sister Rosemary Zackary preceded her in death. She leaves with everlasting love and precious memories, sons; Jeffrey (Scharlene) Washington, Clifford Sean (Lisset) Washington, Brothers, Dr. Andre (Portia) Thomas, Sylvester (Eileen) Alford, 4 grandchildren; aunt, cousins friends and her beloved Tabernacle Family.

Jan Davis

Jan Davis is a life-long educator, having accumulated more than forty years as a teacher, principal, director of staff development, and assistant superintendent with the Wichita Public Schools.

She also served as a teacher and principal at Wichita Collegiate. Since her first retirement in 1996, Jan has been employed as Director of Operations for Fundamental Learning Center, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas, and Interim Executive Director for the YWCA Wichita and DUI Victims Center. She retired in 2017 from Kansas Leadership Center where she was a coach, faculty member and special assistant to the President/CEO. Jan is currently working as a Guest Substitute for the Wichita Public Schools where she helps with the recruitment of teachers. The majority of Jan's career focused on delivering leadership development programs to educators.

Two career highlights involved co-founding and implementing the district's "Grow Your Own Teacher" program and developing a diversity training program that was delivered to all Wichita Public School employees. Committed to civic engagement, Jan currently is an advisor for the First Tee of Greater Wichita. She previously served on numerous boards including Fundamental Learning Center, Interfaith Ministries, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Arts Partners, the Salvation Army, Wichita State University's School of Social Work, Boys & Girls Club and the Mental Health Association. Jan received her bachelor's degree from Emporia State Teachers College and her master's from Wichita State University. In her spare time, Jan enjoys spending time with her husband, Richard, and mentoring youth. Her hobbies include reading, golf and bridge.

Wendlyn Joy Ligons

Bio Under Construction

Wardell Bell

Wardell Bell is an educator who retired after 35 years of service. Wardell has been married to his wife, Patrice, for 48 years. They have two lovely daughters, Candace (deceased) and Shanna Ahmad. They have four grandchildren and one great grandchild affectionately called Lincoln Wardell. Wardell was born in Wichita, Kansas on November 17, 1949 to Leroy and Jewell Bell. He has three brothers and three sisters, one brother and one sister deceased.

Wardell is a product of USD #259 with his first experience attending Little and lsely Elementary, Mathewson Junior High School, and graduating from Heights High School during the civil rights era. Wardell attended Garden City Community College on a wresting scholarship but later returned to Wichita and completed his BA degree in physical education from Wichita State University. Wardell received a Master's degree from St. Louis University. His teaching and coaching career began at Wichita West High School, then on to Marshall Junior High School. Soon after Wardell returned to Wichita State University and earned a degree in Administration Supervision.

This degree opened administrative opportunities at Brooks Middle School, East and North High Schools. Wardell became head principal at Curtis Middle School and ended his career at Metro Meridian. While at Metro Meridian Wardell was able to assist and support many students to graduate and become successful members of the community, Wardell's current health limits his abilities to be as active in the community and in his church as he would love to be. His fondest memory was coaching Marshall's basketball team to a city league championship with an outstanding group of young athletes.

Jerry Goodmon

Jerry Goodmon was born the fifth of ten children to Ruff Joseph Goodmon and Mary Ann Rhodes Goodmon in Metropolis, Illinois. Jerry graduated from Alton Senior High School in 1961 where he participated in football, basketball, and track. His passion for football led him to Coffeyville Community College where he graduated in 1963 with an Associates of Arts Degree. In 2010, Jerry was inducted into Coffeyville's Letterman's Hall of Fame.

Jerry continued his higher education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He was a standout football athlete while attending Northeastern. While playing in the All Sports Bowl against Slippery Rock College, Jerry scored 24 points, ran four touch downs, and had an 89-yard touchdown. That was the longest touchdown run in the history of the All Sports Bowl. He was named the Most Outstanding Back and established three bowl records. In 2009, he was inducted into the Northeastern State University Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated from Northeastern State in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.

While sports and school occupied most of Jerry's time, a young lady named Carolyn LaDon Barnes from Muskogee, Oklahoma caught his eye. He was immediately smitten and before moving to Wichita, he married the love of his life. Jerry and Carolyn have enjoyed 52 years of marriage and were blessed with two sons, Jerry Jr. and Todd. Jerry's professional career spanned over 38 years plus. He went on to earn a Master's degree from Wichita State University and his Ph.D. from Kansas State University. He served nine years as a teacher/coach, fifteen years as assistant principal, and fourteen years as head principal. He was loved and respected by both teachers and students.

He established several programs that enhanced the educational opportunity and growth for at-risk/disadvantaged students and received several awards at the local and state level for his involvement in making life better for the students he served. Throughout his career, Jerry had received numerous honors including Outstanding Professional Achievement, Superior Leadership Award for Community Service, the Wichita Rainbow Coalition, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, a nominee for Outstanding Educator for the State of Kansas, Outstanding Administrator by Kansas Alliance of Black School Educators, and the "Good Apple Award" by the Wichita Board of Education. All of these accomplishments were secondary to the love for his family, friends and community.

He cherished the family trips and especially enjoyed the yearly family reunion reuniting him with his brothers and sisters. He looked forward to road trips with his friends and loved playing golf and watching sports on the television. Jerry had an unwavering commitment to his community. For years, he was a donor to the Red Cross and being "good hearted Jerry" he defied school regulations and gave food (which was going to be thrown away) to the homeless. Jerry loved life and was always engaged in helping others. Jerry was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He was also an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee and held special pew rights in the new sanctuary.

Cheryl McFarthing

Cheryl Neal McFarthing born in Topeka Kansas, the fourth of nine siblings. A true blessing to have become an educational leader and building and district office administrator in both the states of Iowa and Kansas. Cheryl believes “If she can be a professional educator without the financial means necessary, so can you! You must believe that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Becoming an educator is the best way to show the world that Black lives truly matter!”

Rob Simon

Rob Simon is a deeply experienced and credentialed Kansas educator and entertainer who has worked as a speaker/performer and trainer/consultant for school systems and other agencies from coast to coast — including 21 years as a former teacher and teaching specialist for USD 259. In a variety of ways, Rob has consistently worked to promote personal and community empowerment throughout his long career. He has applied his skills and insights with school systems, congregations and various other agencies and organizations — much of it through his own POSITIVE RHYTHM PRODUCTIONS.

In addition to a number of other creative enterprises, Rob is currently working as a Restorative Practices Consultant and Advocate for the Wichita Public Schools, based at West High School. In this environment, he and partnering consultant, Jan Fox-Petersen, work with others in a real-world laboratory that allows them to be innovative in promoting universal empowerment strategies based on the Restorative Practices (a.k.a. "restorative justice in education") paradigm. At West High, and from their Center for Restorative Community (CRC), Rob and Jan produce and network to deliver group facilitation, mediations, and workshops; provide classroom, assembly, and other creative presentations; work with students, school staffs, families, businesses, and community groups; and present for trainings, ,conferences and conventions.

Rob also directs music for contemporary worship at College Hill United Methodist Church, provides lead and background vocals and percussion for local band, Blue Eyed Soul, and works as a teaching artist with Arts Partners. He is also a professional storyteller with the Wichita Griots for whom he has written, co-produced and directed fourteen (14) original stage productions Rob has long considered his work the pursuit of a personal mission, which he says is to "ignite within all of us . . . the desire and the power to be the best we can be, and to live a fruitful life." Rob and his wife, Denise, live in Wichita, and are the proud parents of one grown son, Arri Lawton Simon.

For more information, see: www.positiverhythm.org.

Gloria McAfee

Gloria McAfee is an extremely knowledgeable educator, administrator and consultant, wife and mother with more than forty-five years in these areas. A proven reputation as an effective educator, parent, team leader, principal and loving friend to many in the Wichita community.

Gloria was born in Wichita, Kansas, January 7, 1933, to Rev George B. and Dorothy Sims Winston. She began her schooling at L'Ouverture Elementary in January, 1938. She has a very strong musical and educational background. Her mother taught her piano, organ and harp. She was a teacher and administrator in the Wichita Public School System for more than thirty-five years, retiring in 1994. In 1994, she developed health problems and was on dialysis for eight months until her kidney transplant in 1995. Her husband Charles, donated one of his kidneys to her. She and her husband have three wonderful and beautiful daughters, Cheryl, Pamela, and Charyl.

EDUCATION: HOWARD UNIVERSITY, graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in vocal music in 1954. INDIANA UNIVERSITY, majoring in opera, 1955. WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY, received a master's degree in education and supervision in 1969. EXPERIENCE: 1984 through 1994 Opened Beech Elementary School where she established the writing to read program, a strong language arts and science/math program. 1978 through 1984 Principal at L'Ouverture Elementary School where she started the first computer program for elementary students within USD #259. 1976 through 1978 Principal at Ingalls Elementary. 1961 through 1975 Taught school at Ingalls Elementary, Buckner Elementary. 1971 through 1973 Taught black history and human relations at Wichita State University, and Friends University.

Michael Bruce

Michael Bruce is a product of the Wichita Public Schools system from kindergarten to the completion of college credits needed for two Masters Degrees at Wichita State University. Mr. Bruce begin his teacher career in 1980, at Truesdell Jr. High School.

After one year of service he transferred to Allison Jr. High School. There he open up the first PSA(Personal Social Adjustment) classroom. After three years of service, Mr.Bruce transferred to South High School. While there he completed his second Masters Degree in Special Ed. Administration, Coordination, and Supervision.

Mr. Bruce served as an administrator at West High School for eight years. During his tenure there, he was asked by Mark Evans, Deputy Superintendent of Wichita Public Schools, to go to the Wells Special Day School and reorganize the educational program so that the environment was more conducive to a quality learning experience for both students and teachers.

Mr. Bruce was assigned to Heights High Schools to serve as the Administrator of Special Education and Chair of the Child Study. Again, Mr. Bruce was instrumental in restructuring educational services that were beneficial for special needs students. Mr. Bruce was promoted in 2000, where he became Principal of Metro-Midtown Alternative High School.

If you were to ask him, he would tell you that "Metro- Midtown was One of the Most Outstanding High Schools in Wichita." Before his retirement in 2010, Mr. Bruce served as a Hearing Officer, the Administrative Liaison of Alternative Schools and Special Programs. Throughout his career, Mr. Bruce always strive to establish a working relationship with every student he encounter. He believed that every student could learn. As an educator, Mr. Bruce treated all of his students as if they were his own children.

Edith Balton

Mrs. Balton was born the sixth of eight children in July of 1913 to George And Lena Purnell of Baton Rouge, LA. She attended public school in Baton Rouge, graduating high school and, subsequently, attending Southern University, graduating with a B.S. degree in 1936.

In 1938 she married Dr. Monroe Romby Balton, of Kansas City, KS, a veterinarian. The Balton’s settled in Wichita that same year. The Balton’s had three sons, Michael, Monroe and Keith. Although she had had some experience teaching before marrying and moving to Wichita, Mrs. Balton did not enter the teaching profession on a permanent basis until after her youngest son entered elementary school in 1952. Initially Mrs. Balton worked as a substitute teacher but the urge to teach convinced her to apply for permanent status, specializing in early childhood education.

She was selected and for the next twenty-five years Mrs. Balton taught Kindergarten in the Wichita Public School system. During this period of her life and while working full time, she returned to college, entering The University of Wichita and earning an additional degree, again focusing on early childhood education.