april 2018 the savant - sumner academy 96 · lock & key is a bonded and insured provider of...

Volume 1 , Issue 1

S U M N E R A C A D E M Y C/ O 1996 W E L C O M E S Y O U T O O U R F I R S T I S S U E

Apri l 2018

Our Mission

Our mission is to pay it forward through charitable activities, youth outreach programs and educational contributions.

2017/2018

Board of Directors

Daylon A. Goff President Camille P. Hamilton Vice President Andrea Bird, Esq. Secretary Kevin Burgess Treasurer Scholarship Committee

Camille P. Hamilton Chairperson Mayly Yang Co-Chair Julie (Oyer) Fitzgerald Kenya Harris Stacey (Quick) Quarles

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Obama Recognition 2

Where Are They Now? 3

2017 Ceremony Photos 4

Alumni Spotlights 5

Alumni Business 5

Alumni Community 5

Alumni News 6

Giving & Needs 7

Calendar of Events 8

THE SAVANT

S U M N E R A C A D E M Y C / O 1 9 9 6 A L U M N I F U N D

noun (sa·vant) : a person of learning; scholar, academic, intellectual, learner

Welcome to the first issue of THE SAVANT, the semi-annual newsletter

for the Sumner Academy Class of 1996 Alumni Fund. We are very excited

to launch this newsletter which will inform and celebrate our community

outreach, scholarship fundraising efforts, and highlight incredible

members of the Class of 1996.

Last year, we awarded four outstanding Kansas City Kansas Public School

USD 500 students with scholarships and encourage you to look inside to

see, “Where Are They Now?”. These students are flourishing at their

respective schools and provide key advice to our 2018 recipients. We will

be hosting our 2nd Annual Scholarship Ceremony on Thursday, May 10,

2018 at the Kansas City Kansas Public Main Library located at 625

Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101 from 6:00 P.M.– 8:00 P.M.

Scholarship Applications for 2018 will be available on March 19th.

Please email us at [email protected] for a copy.

Applications will be accepted from any 2018 graduating senior in the USD

500 school district. Applications must be received no later than April

20th and students must be able to attend the ceremony on May 10th to

be eligible. Encourage family and friends to apply!

Our main focus for this issue is to ramp up our 2018 scholarship

fundraising efforts by requesting a minimum donation of $40.00 from our

supporters. For most of us alumni, 2017-2018 represents the 40th Year

of Life—a significant birthday milestone. To recognize, we are calling this

the “40 for 40” Fundraising Campaign!

Last year, we provided $2,500 in scholarships to our awardees and we

hope to exceed that amount this year. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit

organization and any donations received are tax-deductible as allowed by

law. If you are able to help us with your support, please visit our PayPal

Me link at paypal.me/sumneracademy96/40 to make the minimum

donation of $40.00. You can always donate more by adjusting to your

desired amount. The “40 for 40” Fundraising Campaign will end on April

18th, so please ACT NOW! If you prefer to mail your donation, please

send to: Sumner Academy c/o 1996, P.O. Box 579, Basehor, KS 66007.

We thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy reading our first

issue of THE SAVANT!

Sumner Academy c/o 1996 Alumni Fund

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noun

Received in recognition of the Sumner Academy Class of 1996’s 20th High School

Reunion and formation of the Sumner Academy Class of 1996 Alumni Fund in 2016.

President Barack H. Obama, 44th President of the United States

“ W H E R E A R E T H E Y N O W ? ” 2 0 1 7 S C H O L A R S H I P A W A R D E E S

“Some

advice that

I have for

2018

Awardees is

to always

keep your

goals in

mind.”

BRANDON BUSH-THOMPSON

Awardee: Inaugural Class of 2017

High School: Sumner Academy of Arts & Sciences

“I am a Freshman at Howard University in Washington, D.C., majoring in Marketing with a minor in Management. I'm currently acting as the Director of Fundraising for Freshman Council in the School of Business, I'm on the Community Inclusion Committee for Student Council in the School of Business, and I'm a part of a modeling team called Models of the Mecca. My advice for any seniors going to college would be to never settle. Had I settled for any less than what I dreamed, I wouldn't be at the school of my dreams doing more and better than I ever could have imagined.”

DEMITRA CARTER



“I absolutely love Baylor University! I am currently a student-athlete at Baylor, and a Pre-Business Major. It is currently Indoor Track season and I was chosen to be on the travel team at a D1 college which is like the varsity of college. One piece of advice I would give is that not everyone's transition to college is the same. I graduated in the top 10% of my class at Sumner Academy, however, my transition to the college life was not the

easiest. EVERYTHING is different in college. In regards to studying, high school was memorization. On the other hand, college is strictly understanding the material. So, my advice is to take every day one day at a time, enjoy your new college life, and persevere through the midst of adversity.”

CORAJEAN CUNNINGHAM


High School: Washington High School

“I will start off by saying that I would not trade this experience for anything. I have really enjoyed my time so far at Langston University. I finished the semester with a 4.0 GPA. I started taking college courses my junior year in high school, so I have a cumulative GPA of a 3.8. Last semester, I joined two organizations; BOSS and Women of Purpose. BOSS is an underclassman mentoring program. Women of Purpose is also a mentoring program but is more of a sisterhood. I have really

enjoyed the HBCU experience. My first homecoming was really fun. I have met lots of people and made a few friends. I have also gotten to know my professors and faculty members. And this past winter break I presented an Iposter at the K-Inbre symposium. My goals for this semester is to keep making good grades and to become a Langston ambassador.”

ELIZABETH “LIZ” SANTILLIAN



“I am a Speech Language Pathology Major at the University of Kansas. In this first semester of college, I became aware of the lack of diversity that surrounds my current environment. It definitely made me appreciate the Sumner Academy of Arts and Science culture. Due to this exposure, I

decided to get involved with the multicultural group here on campus. I've been attending meetings to try and start a Latina sorority in hopes of helping other students feel more at home. Some advice that I have for the 2018 awardees is to always keep your goals in mind. I'm not going to say "stop procrastinating", because I have yet to accomplish that myself, but make sure that all work gets done. Just because you're not forced to attend class does NOT mean that you shouldn't. And most importantly, make sure that you're okay both physically and mentally. You can do it!”

THE SAVANT

On Monday, April 10, 2017, the Sumner Academy Class of 1996 Alumni Fund hosted its Inaugural

Scholarship Awards Ceremony and Reception at the West Wyandotte Library in Kansas City, KS, providing

scholarships to four students in the Kansas City Kansas Public School District (USD 500). Mr. Wendell E.

Maddox, Jr., the former President/CEO of the United Way of Wyandotte County was the keynote speaker

and Senator David B. Haley (KS– District 4) was the sponsor.

The evening showcased the talents of the Miller Twins, Ahshantie & Ahmarie Miller, students at

Washington High School in Kansas City, KS, who sang and played saxophone for entertainment.

Scholarships were presented with the support of our alumni and generous donors in the Kansas City area

in the amounts of (2) $1000.00 and (2) $250.00 awards.

Photos Credit: Kara Jennings (c/o 1996)

THE SAVANT

THE SAVANT

A L U M N I B U S I N E S S S P O T L I G H T

ALUM N I SPO TL I GH TS

A L U M N I C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

Customer Review

“The best locksmith in

Kansas City. Always fast

service and the keys always

work. True craftsmen!

Thanks again.

– Benjie Lewis,

1/10/2018

Joseph Parra, M.D. is the Chief

Medical Officer at Orange Park Medical

Center located in Orange Park, FL. He

earned his medical degree in 2004 at the

University of Kansas and completed his

family medicine residency at Wesley Medical

Center in Wichita, KS. Dr. Parra has held

various leadership and administrative

positions throughout his career while

practicing as a hospitalist and was recently

appointed to serve as the President of the Clay County Medical

Society for a 1-year term beginning January 1, 2018.

Founded in 1960, the Clay County Medical Society (CCMS) is a

professional organization that acts as the voice of physicians in

Clay County. The organization exists to extend medical

knowledge and advance medical science, elevate the standards

of medical education, strive for the enactment, preservation and

enforcement of just medical and public health laws, promote

friendly relations among doctors of medicine and guard and

foster their legitimate interests, enlighten and alert the public,

and merit its respect and confidence.

Anjail Weaver-Belton enlisted into

U.S. Navy after graduating from Sumner

Academy. She was a graduate of the 335th

Training Squadron’s Weather School and

was selected as a 2001 recipient of the

American Legion Spirit of Service Award,

which was presented to her by the

President of the United States. In 2004,

she was accepted to Officer Candidate

School and was soon promoted to the rank

of Lieutenant Junior Grade. In 2008, she was assigned to the

shore command Defense Contract Management Agency and

during that assignment was promoted to full

Lieutenant, ultimately reaching the rank of

Lieutenant Commander.

Receiving an honorable discharge in July

2017, Anjail has embarked on a new

chapter as the owner of “Cake Is Art”, a

home-based dessert catering business in

Olive Branch, MS. She is married to the

“love of her life”, Issac Belton, and recently

graduated with honors from the prestigious,

The French Pastry School of Chicago, IL.

Chris McKee has ventured in many businesses after graduating from Sumner Academy in 1996, before

landing back home at the family-owned and operated Overland Lock & Key. Established in 1985, Overland

Lock & Key is a bonded and insured provider of locksmith services

providing residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith

services. Located at 8100 Santa Fe, Overland Park, KS 66204,

Overland Lock & Key is open from 8:00A.M– 5:00P.M, Monday–

Friday. They are also available after hours for emergencies. Get in

Touch with Overland Lock & Key Today to Check Out their wide range

of locksmith products and services.

Chris is celebrating 13 years at the family business and is happily

married with 3 children. He loves Disc Golf and is a proud alumni of

the Class of 1996.

Website: overlandlockandkey.com

Dr. Cherie (Caruthers) Suther and The Caruthers Family has always valued education. As a

well known leader in education in Kansas City, KS for over 50 years, her grandfather, The Honorable

Dr. Bertram Caruthers Sr., instilled in all of his children and grandchildren the importance of education.

Born in West Point, Mississippi, Dr. Bertram Caruthers Sr. moved to Kansas City when he was 4 years

old. A graduate of Sumner High School in 1929, he received his B.A. in 1933 and M.A. in 1935 from

the University of Kansas, and completed his Ed.D from the University of Nebraska in 1966. A

dedicated educator and respected administrator of the Kansas City Kansas School System, in 2002,

Hawthorne Elementary School, where he once served as the principal, officially changed its name to

Bertram Caruthers Elementary School.

The Caruthers Family Foundation was started in 2014 to honor his legacy. The foundation focuses on

recognizing African-American students that excel in academics and extracurricular activities. The

foundation provides yearly scholarships to two students in the Kansas City area.

Cheers to Bridget Dixon and Monarch Play Therapy for being voted one of the TOP 5 Mental Health Counselors (other

than licensed psychologist or licensed psychiatrist) for the annual

Best of Lawrence Magazine. First, second, and third place awards

will be announced on June 21, 2018.

Bridget is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, Registered

Play Therapist Supervisor and founder of Monarch Play Therapy. She

is a graduate of The University of Kansas and is currently an adjunct

instructor for The School of Social Welfare at KU. Over the past 17

years, Bridget has worked in various public service contexts,

including child welfare, community mental health, substance abuse,

behavior consultation and early childhood mental health. She currently serves as the Early

Childhood Mental Health Consultant at Head Start of Lawrence, providing professional

development and mental health consultation services on site. Passionate about play therapy

and teaching, Bridget also is an instructor for Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

Play Therapy involves the use of play to communicate with children and to help children

learn to solve problems and change their negative behaviors. Children naturally engage in

play to create meaning and organize their experiences. This allows children to distance

themselves from difficult feelings and memories through symbolic expression, using the toys

as the medium to disclose these feelings. The therapeutic playroom becomes a sacred place

to process and explore painful fears, anxieties and inadequacies.

Monarch Play Therapy– 947 New Hampshire Street, Suite 209, Lawrence, KS 66044

ALUM NI NEWS Have a story to share?

We are always looking to

showcase the members of the

Sumner Academy of Class of

1996. If you have something to

share, please email us at

[email protected]

and tell us all about it!!!

We would love to hear from you!

SABRES PRIDE...C/O 1996

The original “$4.5 Million Class”

SU M N E R AC A D E M Y C/O 1996 A LU M N I

Amanda Wyatt

Aaron Rodenbaugh*

Adrienne Lakey

Akilah Hardy

Al Collins, Jr

Alicyn Wickam

Alison Bowline

Allontay Thomas

Amy O’Brien

Ana Castenada

Ana Pisco

Andre Elmore

Andre Fortune

Andrea Bird

Andrea Cunningham

Andrea Morris

Andrew Wade

Angela Jones

Angela VandeKrol

Anita Nikolic

Anjail Weaver

Annika Hurst

Bert Brown

Brandon Garner

Brenda Precht

Brian Garvey

Brian Hall

Brian Pace

Bridget Yarnevich

Brooke Powell

Camille Hamilton

Candace Hollis

Candice Robinson

Carinda Barnes

Carmen Whited

Carolyn Macke

Cathy Lawrence

Chadley Washburn

Chere Smith

Cherie Caruthers

Chiquita Harris

Chris Bidnick

Chris Briscoe

Chris Mckee

Chris Reppert

Christian Zamora

Christina Zuniga

Christine Jarczyk

Christopher Rogers

Chuck Manherz

Comica Russ

Dan Hamilton

Dana Boyd

Daniel Duncan, Jr.

Danielle Deleon

Danielle Mitchell

Darren Wagner

David Crum

David Debus

David Dunlap

David Harris

David Lunn, II

Daylon Goff

Deidra Mackie

Demetrius Hurt

Deondra Payne

Devinn Garrett

Diana Cox

Dominic Bustamante

Donny Sams

Durriyyah McIntosh

Ebony Monroe

Emily Foster

Eric Borisouth

Eric Rupp

Felicia Aron

Gabriela Buitron

Garen Armstrong

Geoffrey Sowan

Gina Serrano

Halimat Alabi

Harry Imbeau

Heather White

Holly Fonseca

India Young

Jacob Good

James Hawkins

James Vazquez

Jason Bryles

Jeff Bakarich

Jeff Stanturf

Jennifer Reed

Jennifer Robinson

Jeremy Mock

Jessica Circle

Jessica Raney

Jimmy Lopez

Joe Parra

Joey Mipanyarack

John Cook

John Raux

John Rockhold

Jourdan Penn

J-Rome Randolph

Julie Oyer

Kara Jennings

Kari Wilson

Kasandra Brown

Kasey Keomanyvong

Kathryn Schmelzle

Kelley Leath

Kenya Harris

Kevin Beck

Kevin Burgess

Kim Burke

Kim Melton

Kirshanna King

Kisa Mosley

Kristin Chow

Kurt Holmes

Lacy Wards

Latoya Taylor

Latrice Douglas

Latrina Johnson

Laura Barkley

Laura Daniels

Lee James, III

Lindsay Waters

Lisa Carver

Lisa Casey

Marlena Nelson

Matt Brillhart

Matt Brown

Mayly Yang

Megan Uzzell

Melisa Mesa

Melissa Lyon

Michael Amon

Michael Sample

Michelle Swafford

Natalia Ortiz

Nathan Parker

Nicole Anderson

Nicole Kirby

Nicole Sawyer

Norvan Daniels, III

Pat Struzzo

Patricia Sullivan

Philip Candelario

Phillip Moore

Rachel Wilson

Rachel Winter

Rashida Royster

Rebekka Suter

Reggie Fears

Reka Janesko

Robby Roberts

Robert Blakey

Robert Lawrence

Robert Loya

Ryan Fearing

Ryan Folscroft

Sara Skwarlo

Sara Williams*

Sharon Kennedy

Shaun Jackson

Stacey Byers

Stacey Jones

Stacey Quick

Staci Sprague

Stacy Sapho

Stephanie Koenig

Stephven Richard

Steve Hernandez*

Steven White

Summer Talbert

Sunshine Fye

Suzanne Schoettlin

Suzie Brajkovic

Tamara Adams

Tamika Washington

Tashika Coulter

Terry Rowe, II

Theia Brewster

Theresa Fields

Thomas Stuart, Jr.

Tiffannie Kennedy

Tiffany Smith

Tom Tomasic

Truc Do

Tyrone Robinson

Vernetta Harris

Wendy Sanford

William Maize

William Rowland

Zach Brown

* Denotes Deceased

THE SAVANT

GIVING & NEEDS

The Sumner Academy Class of 1996 Alumni Fund was created to provide assistance to

youth in the Kansas City area. Our main objective is to positively enhance the lives of youth

who grew up in the same communities we shared. Our alumni are a distinguished group of

business professionals, civil servants, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, lawyers,

clergy, military, parents and friends. Our mission is to pay it forward through charitable

activities, youth outreach programs and educational contributions.

We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. If you are interested in continuing support

through donations and our volunteer opportunities, please contact Camille Hamilton at

(913) 575-4402 and/or [email protected] for more information.

The “40 for 40” Fundraising Campaign ends on April 18, 2018. To donate a

minimum of $40.00, please go to paypal.me/sumneracademy96/40 or mail

your donation to: Sumner Academy c/o 1996 Alumni Fund, P.O. Box 579,

Basehor, KS 66007.

“40 for 40” Donation Form

Mail to: Sumner Academy Alumni Fund, P.O. Box 579, Basehor, KS 66007

or Submit Online at paypal.me/sumneracademy96/40

Deadline: April 18, 2018

Name:

Organization Name (if applicable)

Address:

City, ST, Zip:

Phone:

Email:

Donation Amount:

Requested Minimum $40.00___ Other Amount: _____________ Write in any amount.

- FILL ME OUT TO MAIL IN YOUR DONATION -

CUT ALONG LINES TO REMOVE

THE SAVANT

S T A M P

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY 2018

May 10 (Thursday)– 2nd Annual Sumner Academy c/o 1996 Alumni Fund Scholarship Ceremony;

Time: 6:00– 8:00AM; Location: Main Library, 625 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101

May 17 (Thursday)- Washington High School Graduation; Time: 7 P.M.; Location: TBD

May 18 (Friday)- J.C. Harmon High School Graduation: Time: 7 P.M.; Location: TBD

May 19 (Saturday)- Wyandotte High School Graduation; Time: 11 A.M.; Location: TBD

May 21 (Monday)- F.L. Schlagle High School Graduation; Time: 7 P.M.; Location: TBD

May 22 (Tuesday)– Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences Graduation; Time: 7 P.M.; Location: Memorial

Hall, 600 N. 7th Street Trafficway, Kansas City, KS 66101

JULY 2018

July 7 (Saturday)– Sumner Academy Sports Clinic by Class of 1987; Time: 9:00AM– Noon; Location: TBD

AUGUST 2018

August 5 (Sunday)– Back to School Supplies Drive by Class of 1996; Time: 4:00 P.M.– 6:00 P.M.;

Location: TBD

SEPTEMBER 2018

September 28 (Friday)– SA Black Alumni Network Career Panel; Time: TBD; Location: Sumner Academy

of Arts and Sciences

September 28 (Friday)– SA Black Alumni Network @ First Annual Sumner Academy Tailgate Party;

Time: 4:00 P.M; Location: Wyandotte High School Football Stadium

September 29 (Saturday)- The Gathering Gala : Celebrating 40 Years of Black Achievement at

Sumner Academy; Time: 6:00 P.M.; Location: American Jazz Museum in the Historic 18th & Vine District

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Sumner Academy c/o 1996

Sumner Academy c/o 1996 Alumni Fund

P.O. Box 579

Basehor, KS 66007

april 2018 the savant - sumner academy 96 · lock & key is a bonded and insured provider of...

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