Harrison Neal is the current Principal at Central Middle School. He has also served in leadership roles at Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy and Banneker Elementary. During his time working as a school administrator, Harrison has been recognized with several awards, including the 2017 KCPS Rookie of the Year Award, the 2018 KCPS Attendance Award, and the 2019 KCPS Newcomer Award.
SchoolSmartKC
Inspiring Educator: David Price
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO. Attended Martin City Elementary/ Middle School in the Grandview School District and Rockhurst High School. Graduated from the University of Kansas City Missouri with a degree in Early Childhood Education and later received a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction.
Exceptional Student Profile: Tamea Levingston
My name is Tamea Levingston and I will be a sophomore at Johnson County Community College. I’m pursuing a career in the beauty industry as an Esthetician. I’m passionate about all things wellness related–such as exercising, skin care, and holistic healing. During this chapter of my life I am learning how to navigate through the new and challenging times.
Profile in Leadership: Dr. Jayson Strickland
Dr. Strickland has served young people for more than three decades in a number of instrumental roles and capacities. He began his career working in his family’s preschool business. This valuable experience instilled a love for education while cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit. He has described himself as an “edu-preneurial”, a passionate educational leader with an entrepreneurial mode of operation
Inspiring Educator: Salvador Montanez-Espinoza
Salvador Montanez was born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico. He moved to the United States in 2011 when he was a sophomore in high school and graduated in 2014. Salvador attended Johnson County Community College and then transferred to the University of Kansas City Missouri, graduating in 2020.
Profile in Leadership: Hilary Cohen Singer
Hilary Cohen Singer joined Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) in 2010 and has been Executive Director since 2014. Hilary has over 20 years’ experience in nonprofit leadership, program development and strategic planning. Prior to joining JVS, Hilary was a Planning Executive at UJA-Federation of New York, working to support community-building efforts in the Russian Jewish Community.
Exceptional Student Profile: Jade Valdez
Jade Valdez is a recent graduate of East High School and was a 2021 recipient of the Hispanic Development Fund Scholarship and is attending Avila University in the Fall. Born in California into a close-knit immigrant family, Jade is the oldest of four children and is a first-generation college student.
Reflections on The Post-George Floyd Landscape
A year has passed since the nation witnessed the brutal murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police officers, forcing the world to face the undeniable truth that racism and discrimination against black people remains prevalent in society, and signifying there is still much work to be accomplished to achieve equity for our race.
NEW MIDTOWN MURAL HONORS KC TEACHERS
Partnership With Artist JT Daniels Celebrates Teachers Post-Pandemic SchoolSmartKC today revealed that a new mural honoring teachers will be installed at the location of their office at 3105 Gillham, Kansas City, Missouri. Plans for the mural originated from joint...
SSKC Grants $97,000 To 20/20 Leadership, Provides Leadership Opportunities for KCMO Youth
New partnership will allow existing program to expand to younger students, more schools. SchoolSmartKC today announced a new grant and partnership with 20/20 Leadership. This grant will allow the 20/20 Leadership Program to expand into two new schools, and also extend...