Nearly 1,000 community members gathered on September 29 for the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation’s annual Fall Breakfast, celebrating the students, educators and community partners who are Building Tomorrow Together.
A highlight of the morning was the announcement of InspirED Shawnee Mission, a new Foundation scholarship program designed to help Shawnee Mission students become teachers, and ultimately return home to teach in the district.
The program, announced by Shawnee Mission Education Foundation Executive Director Kim Hinkle and Superintendent Dr. Michael Schumacher, was made possible through the estate of longtime Shawnee Mission West teacher Sally Shipley. Shipley taught speech, theater and English literature for more than 30 years and was known for the lasting impact she had on generations of students.
Beginning later this school year, InspirED Shawnee Mission will select five Shawnee Mission seniors who plan to pursue careers in education. The Foundation will provide mentorships, scholarships, and stipends as they work toward earning their teaching degrees.
“So we’re not just investing in five students,” Dr. Schumacher shared. “We’re investing in the future teachers of Shawnee Mission.”
Showing Learning in Action
Students were at the center of the Fall Breakfast from beginning to end. Shawnee Mission Northwest seniors Tiffany Silva Toral and Carter Mitchell served as hosts, introducing guests to students and learning experiences from across the district.
“This year’s theme is One Shawnee Mission: Building Tomorrow Together,” Silva Toral shared. “And today, we’re not just going to talk about the future. We’re going to show you what it looks like.”
Throughout the morning, guests saw examples of what learning looks like at every level. A video followed Pawnee Elementary fourth grader Ian through a school day, while Nieman Elementary librarian Kelly Nelson and fifth grader Astrid shared how students partnered with The Rabbit Hole, Kansas City’s children’s literature museum, to design their own museum exhibit concepts.
Guests also got an inside look at Leadership Shawnee Mission before Shawnee Mission South senior Aden Braden-Alvarez and Shawnee Mission West junior Aaliyah Collins joined Dr. Schumacher for a conversation about their own futures and the future of the district.
Their conversation also touched on student achievement and long-term planning for the district. Dr. Schumacher shared that Shawnee Mission students increased proficiency in both math and reading last year, nearly doubling the academic growth seen statewide. He also highlighted the new Early Childhood Education Center, scheduled to open in August 2027, and discussed planning for a potential no-tax-increase bond in 2027.
Real World Learning was also highlighted through the Shawnee Mission Student Chamber of Commerce. Shawnee Mission West seniors Hope, Tre and Ryder, along with Christa McAuliffe Elementary sixth grader Lexi, shared how the program connects students with businesses and professionals while giving them opportunities to develop ideas, network, and build confidence. Their experiences ranged from creating their own businesses to participating in pitch competitions and learning firsthand from professionals in the community.
Student talent and leadership were also on display throughout the event. Guests were welcomed by the Shawnee Mission West Drumline, Shawnee Mission East Lancer Dancers, Shawnee Mission South cheerleaders and Project Blue Eagle students. The Shawnee Mission South Chamber Orchestra, Hocker Grove Middle School Choir and Shawnee Mission Northwest Chamber Choir performed, and the Shawnee Mission NJROTC presented the colors.
Shawnee Mission Education Foundation Board President Dion Sankar closed the program by sharing his family’s story and reflecting on the power of education and opportunity. He encouraged guests to support the Foundation and the experiences it helps make possible for Shawnee Mission students.
Hinkle concluded the morning by thanking the educators, staff, PTAs, sponsors and community members who continue to support students across the district.
“It takes all of us to Build Tomorrow Together,” Hinkle shared, “and we’re so grateful to have a community that continues to show up for Shawnee Mission.”
Shawnee Mission School District is the third largest school district in Kansas. The district serves students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in 34 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools, and several educational centers. It has been consistently ranked among the finest school districts nationwide for its high student performance. The district’s objective is that each student will have a personalized learning plan that will prepare them for college and careers, with the interpersonal skills they need for life success. The district serves a diverse student population from 14 cities within northeast Johnson County, Kansas, which is 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, visit www.smsd.org.
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