Governor Honors Students

Kansas Governor Bill Graves (left) is pictured with John Shapiro, one of the awardees. As far we know, John is the only awardee from the Russian-speaking community of Greater Kansas City who was present at the award ceremony.

Held at Washburn University, the Eighteenth Annual Governor’s Scholars Award Program took place on May 6, 2001. This was a tribute to state scholars for their hard work and achievement and to those who have helped these scholars in both large and small ways. "Our youth are our future. These scholars have built a strong foundation for continued accomplishment. They have the ability to continue to make personally rewarding achievements that will contribute to the viability of the communities, the State, and the Nation," wrote Governor Bill Graves in his address. The program honors the top 1% of students from all high schools in the State. This year 504 students were recognized. The ceremony began with lunch followed by a welcome and introductions. Governor Bill Graves gave an opening speech and presented awards.

In his speech, the Governor noted that the education system in our State is one to the best in the nation. The Governor said that he has a 5-year-old daughter, Kelly, and his hope is that several years from now and 12 years from now schools in Kansas will still be as good for Kelly as they are now. The Governor also said that the world-class school system deserves world-class financial support. He was referring to legislators who were, concurrently, in cession discussing and trying to solve the school finance problem. After his speech, Governor Graves was photographed with each awardee.

Of those awardees responding to the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force poll, 99% participated in co-curricular activities, from whom 72% participated in bothathletic and non-athletic activities. More than 60% plan to continue formal education in Kansas.