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2012

Menu Seasonal greens topped with Carrot,

Tomato and Cucumber

Choice of Ranch or Vinaigrette Dressings

Herb Crusted Salmon with Cajun Seasoning and Topped

with Remoulade Sauce

Smoked Pork Tenderloin Sauteed in Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce

Sauteed Green Beans Drizzled with

Garlic Almond Oil

Roasted New Potatoes with rosemary, herbs and spices

Fresh Rolls with Butter

White Cake and

Assorted Brownie Desserts

Equal Opportunity Day Sponsors

Engagement Partners

Opportunity Partners

Equality Partners

www.kansasul.org

Order of Program

Welcome & Acknowledgements

Dinner

ULK Video Premiere

C.L.A.S.S. Testimonial

Walmart Scholarship Presentation

NULITES Testimonial

D.Y.W.T.L.O.D Testimonial

Teacher of the Year Award Presentation

Housing Testimonial

Unsung Hero Award Presentation

Workforce Testimonials

Highlights from Golf Tournament

Recognition of Golf Awards

Closing Remarks

Program Participant Recognition

Ms. Zakiya Barnes Senior at East High School Program: Caring Ladies Assisting Students to Succeed (CLASS)

Mr. Josh Washington Senior at Northwest High School Program: Do You Want to Live or Die (DWYTLOD)

Mr. Aaron Simpson Senior at North High School

Program: NULITES

Ms. Patrice Silmonn New Home Owner

Program: Housing and Credit Counseling

Ms. Connie Horstman Employed at Hospice Care of Kansas and Right at Home

Program: PCA Graduate July 2011

Mr. Darren Flynn Employed at Affordacare Inc. Program: Health Occupation Technology Graduate 2011

2012 Urban League of Kansas

Distinguished Service Awards

Unsung Hero: Ms. Tarekuo Fisher This young woman contributed many hours working and volunteering her services to the Wichita Children’s Home (WCH) in saving and advocating for children. She worked for the WCH for 13 years, and helped save and restore the lives of thousands of children. Working diligently to keep them in school, have clothes on their backs, and ensuring they had the opportunity to be successful as they grow up to become productive members of the Wichita community. Many children who came to stay in the WCH affectionately referred to her as "mom" because they could see how she truly and genuinely cared about them, and loved them, and they knew they could always count on her to keep her word. Throughout her career with the WCH and its many changes, her dedication to the teen boys remained certain. She recognized that our young men are in trouble and require special attention in order to save them from the pressure of gangs, drugs, incarceration, and death. She focused on the issues saving as many young men as she can, though continually expanding her education and understanding of the specific issues that faced them in today’s world. Ms. Fisher devoted her life to always making sure that the needs, and often the wants, of the young men who had come to stay at the WCH were met. Her impact on their lives will be forever in their thoughts and minds as they have moved on to adulthood. One young man has related his story of being raped and violated, and then having to come and live at the WCH where Ms. Fisher worked with him and helped him to begin feeling good about himself, like somebody cared about him. He expressed how he began to see her like a mother to him, and he loved and appreciated all she had done to help him. Today he credits her with allowing him to develop into the man he is because of her willingness to be there for him.

Teacher of the Year: Ms. Traci Garcia I am passionate about teaching and learning. There is something deep within me that finds great fulfillment in seeing my students reach their goals and make gains because of various learning experiences in my classroom. Good teaching helps students reach goals and predetermined standards. Lifelong learning is the desired result of my efforts as a teacher. My philosophy of teaching is deeply rooted in the above quote by Marva Collins. Like the quote, my philosophy involves engaging strategies, high expectations, and personal convictions that hold me accountable as a Christian. I am a firm believer in good teaching. Each year I seek to find best practices that will reach all students, regard-less of their background or instructional level. I expect learning to take place for both teacher and students continually. The road to education is a spectacular journey filled with rewards, joy and challenges. This journey provides an opportunity to reach out and help others along the way.