What an incredible morning at the 2026 RISE Community Showcase on Thursday, October 29! We loved coming together at South Valley Middle School to celebrate Liberty Public Schools and share what happens when students, educators, and our community rise together.
From student performances to stories of generosity and opportunity, the morning brought the Liberty Education Foundation’s mission to life!
Students Take the Lead
Leah Hoffman, a Liberty North junior and the Foundation’s new Marketing Associate, welcomed guests and shared her journey from volunteering with us in sixth grade to becoming one of the district’s first registered youth apprentices.
Then, KMBC 9’s Matt Flener interrupted with some “breaking news” to introduce our emcees: the Franklin Elementary Broadcasting Club! These young reporters guided us through the morning, showing just what can happen when a teacher’s bright idea receives community support.
The South Valley Middle School choir, directed by Kage Edgar, performed “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman, helping set the tone for a morning focused on helping students discover their talents and reach new heights.
Bringing Bright Ideas to Life
A video featuring the Liberty Oaks Reading Garden offered a glimpse of how educator grants create new opportunities for students to learn and explore.
Liberty Oaks librarian Carly Bogaards and Liberty High School Industrial Technology teacher Josh Jacobs shared how their partnerships with the Foundation support students and educators. From bringing classroom ideas to life to supporting the Construction Science Club’s participation in the Parade of Playhouses, these connections help students gain hands-on experience and pursue opportunities beyond what school budgets alone can provide.
Caring for Students and Families
Through a video highlighting the Liberty Cares Fund and remarks from Dr. Andy Schuerman, guests learned how the Foundation partners with district social workers to support students and families facing difficult circumstances.
Celebrating a Generous Community
We were proud to recognize Mrs. Clara Howerton and Dr. Marty Jacobs, two LPS retirees whose generosity continues to support our educators.
Over the past three years, Clara has provided $1,000 to all 42 first-year elementary teachers beginning their teaching careers in LPS, helping them prepare their first classrooms. Through our partnership with William Jewell College, Dr. Jacobs has provided more than $40,000 in scholarships for educators pursuing professional development and graduate-level courses.
We also celebrated 1,070 faculty and staff donors who supported this year’s employee campaign. These individuals see the impact of our work firsthand and choose to invest in opportunities for their students and colleagues.
A heartfelt thank-you to our 2026-2027 Sponsors and Ray of Sunshine Society members for their annual commitment.
Celebrating Our Schools
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart shared a district update before welcoming Shoal Creek Elementary’s Sonidos, directed by Nevaeh Diaz. Nevaeh also shared her appreciation for the new teacher grant she received from Clara Howerton last year, bringing the morning’s stories full circle.
Snack Boxes
Guests left with delicious snack boxes created by Liberty North’s Intro to Culinary Arts students. Through this project with the Foundation, students researched recipes, presented a formal taste test, and prepared 400 boxes, giving our community a taste of real-world learning! While treats always taste better when someone else makes them, we’re sharing the recipes so you can enjoy these incredible fall flavors at home and share them with others!
Together, We RISE
Thank you to Principal Jill Mullen and the South Valley team for hosting us, to our district Fine Arts team for helping bring the program together, and to every student, educator, volunteer, and supporter who made the morning possible.
Your generosity helps us say “yes” to bright ideas, support educators, care for families, and connect our community to our schools.
To help us continue shining bright for Liberty students, make a one-time or recurring gift at libertyeducationfoundation.org/shinebright.
And save the date for SHINE 2027 on Saturday, March 6!
THANK YOU!
HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
FEATURED VIDEOS FROM OUR PROGRAM
FULL RISE PROGRAM
