The Kauffman Foundation hosted its annual partner luncheon “Get on the Bus” to share what has been done so far with Real World Learning and what is still to come. This event recognized several educators, students, and businesses for their achievements within the Real World Learning community.
For more, read the Kauffman Foundation’s post here.
Guest roll in and mingle as Get on the Bus begins check-inStudents and guests had to take the chance to use the photobooth before the event truly begins.Students lead guests to their assigned tables while sharing their personal experience with Real World LearningStudent Ambassadors helped to guide guests through the eventMariah Presley-Robinson, Grandview High School student, and Miguel Tapia Becerra, Shawnee Mission North student, take the stage to begin the eventDr. Bill Nicely, Real World Learning’s Educator-in-Residence, introduces a student panel to further hear about their experiences.Dr. Kenny Rodrequez, the Missouri Superintendent of the Year from Grandview School District, and Dr. Michelle Hubbard, the Kansas Superintendent of the Year from Shawnee Mission School District take the stage to share about real world learning and the mission.Kansas and Missouri Superintendents of the Year, take advantage of their on-stage opportunity to snap an off-script selfie with the Get on the Bus crowd of over 500 guests.Emily McDoweel, a Kearney senior, shares about her experience at an architecture internship. McDowell announced that Real World Learning helped her to discover her love for architecture. She plans to continue her architecture education at the University of Arizona.Sara Sadeghi, a graduate from Sumner Academy, gives insight into how Real World Learning gave her access into the medical field. Sadeghi always knew she wanted to be a doctor, but Real World Learning in high school gave her an advantage going into college.Jocelyn Ducree, a Crossroads Academy student, answers how Real World Learning has impacted her. Ducree believes it has many positives.Ace Cofield, Shawnee Mission Ambassador, and Kaelyn Dale, Fort Osage Ambassador begin educator awards. Kaelyn Dale asks all Real World Learning Coordinators to stand and be recognized for their hard work.Obiamaka Obiesie and Mackenzey Spiller, Student Voice Captains, are invited to the stage to present the next award.Mackenzey Spiller embraces Pedagogy Pioneers winners Sarah Renfrow and Stefani Russ, both of whom are from her own high school, Raymore Peculiar.Jill Williams, Vice President of Workforce Development at Missouri Hospital Association and Molly Weaver, Sunflower Talent Acquisitions, shares how Real World Learning impacts the healthcare system. Professionals are working to share the different options in healthcare for students.Venture Vangaurd winners, Stacey Holtzclaw and Colleen Jones, embrace as guests applaud to recognize their work.Real World Learning Coordinators stand to be recognized in a crowd of over 500 people.Cooper Appleman, a Harrisonville Ambassador, assists with awarding Next-Gen Navigators.Next Gen Navigator Award receivers Nicole Pizatto, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools, Shannon Shelton, North Kansas City Schools, and Laura Harsch, Shawnee Mission School DistrictVenture Vangaurd award winners Stacey Holtzclaw, Kearney School District, Nick Johnson KIPP Legacy Academy, and Colleen Jones, Liberty Public SchoolsThe Elevating Equity award goes to Crystal Everett from Kansas City Public Schools and Kiona Dickerson from Raytown Quality Schools.Cofield and Dale share the winners of the Opportunity Orchestrator award and why exactly they were chosen to be recognized.Opportunity Orchestrator awards go to Jeremy Covey from Center School District, Dylan Peterson from Fort Osage School District, and Polly Vader from Piper School District.Anna Hennes, Real World Learning Program Leader, introduced herself as she begins to invite employers who have been involved in Real World Learning so far.Lauren Kepler, from Newkirk Novak Construction, shares her experience with students within her construction sites. She even shares that one of their past students went on to work for their company after high school.Kelly Brucher from JE Dunn speaks on her interaction with Real World Learning Coordinators. She expresses the ease of working with a coordinator who is passionate and on top of tasks.An Industry Impact Employer Panel gather on stage to answer questions regarding how their businesses are interacting with real world learning.Sophie Booth, Lee’s Summit Ambassador, and Edward Williams, Hogan Prep Ambassador, are invited on stage to announce the next group of awards.The Industry Innovator goes to Children’s Mercy, Kansas City Metropolitan Health Council in Missouri, and Kansas City Metropolitan Health Council in Kansas.Thomas Hapke, Piper Ambassador, and Ziarre Majeed, Raymore-Peculiar Ambassador, present Business Awards.Prentiss Earl, Lead Innovation Specialist at CommunityAmerica Credit Union encourages businesses to get involved and just say “Yes.” Earl admits, “Our first try wasn’t perfect. You can try again. It get’s easier.”Jordan McGee, Kansas City Public School Ambassador, and Aileen Phan, North Kansas City Ambassador, thank the contributing businesses.Kansas City Pet Project was awarded “Enduring Education Ally” for its continued support in pushing boundaries. KC Common Good takes home the award “Collaboration Champion” for transcending boundaries to transform lives.Jordan McGee, Kansas City Public School Ambassador, and Aileen Phan, North Kansas City Ambassador, thank the contributing businesses.Business Champion of the Year goes to Arts Asylum, Kansas City Fire Department, and Holland 1916.Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, President and CEO of Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, wraps up the event by remembering Mr. K’s legacy and why Real World Learning is a way of the future.Angee Simmons, Communications & Engagement Program Leader at the Kauffman, begins the last round of awards for her Student Agency Superstars.Angee Simmons, Communications & Engagement Program Leader at the Kauffman, begins the last round of awards for her Student Agency Superstars.Student Agency Superstars from Student Ambassadors, Student Voice, J-Lab, and Pro-X.Student Agency Superstar Award winnersDr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, President and CEO of Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, wraps up the event by remembering Mr. K’s legacy and why Real World Learning is a way of the future.Avi Weist, Student Storytelling Captain, accepts one of nine Student Agency Superstar Awards.Alexis David, Smithville Ambassador, and Lamarion Simms, KIPP Legacy Academy Ambassador, take the stage to wrap up the event.Business Champion of the Year: Kansas City Fire DepartmentBusiness Champion of the Year: Arts Asylum
