Public Service

Larissa Whitney

Elementary School Teacher

When I was really young, I loved lining my dolls up and reading to them out loud. I even tried to dress like what I thought a teacher would wear! My mom still has a picture of that scene in action, which means a lot to me today. It was a snapshot of what was to come!
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Lesa Schulte

Preschool Teacher

I always knew I wanted to work with kids when I grew up. I loved interacting with children and babysat for numerous families and church groups when I was younger. My passion for wanting to teach grew even stronger when my sixth-grade teacher told me my patience and willingness to help others are...
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Lindsey Holtry

Educational Technology Coach

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I was the oldest of four girls and loved working with kids at our school, church and local community center.
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Richard Berndt

Construction Technology Instructor

"There was a hailstorm one night when I was 11 years old, and after that, my parents decided we needed a carport. The company delivered the supplies, but they never showed up to build it. I’d always loved playing with my carpenter-grandfather’s tools, so I grabbed my dad’s and took it upon myself...
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Sergeant Lana Urteaga

Public Information Officer

"I’ve always wanted to be in public service. I’ve always been driven to understand the law and the judicial system, and I have always gravitated to jobs where I help others.
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Sheyvette Dinkens

Business Educator

I wasn’t initially interested in being a teacher and didn’t intend to enter the field of education. For many years, I worked on founding and running a nonprofit organization in Topeka, Kansas: Women Empowerment. The organization was built to inspire, lift and bring local women together.
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Thomas King

Senior Manager in Logistics

Thomas King began his career by serving in the United States Army. After leaving his full-time position in the military, he continues to serve as a member of the Army Reserve. On the civilian side, he started in an entry-level position at Spirit AeroSystems, then worked his way up to become a...
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Valerie Brown-Kuchera

Director of K-12 Library and Information Literacy Program

I’ve always wanted to be an educator. Growing up in a remote country home with parents who were not high school graduates, I relied on impressions of educated people portrayed in the books I read. My favorite stories showed professors and librarians as trusted mentors and wise, caring advisors who...
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Veronica Lara

Bus Paraeducator

As a child growing up in Mexico, my goal was to become a teacher. I helped my mom take care of my siblings, which sparked my love for childcare and education. To this day, I love working with children and enjoy advocating for everyone to treat others how they would like to be treated.
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