A big thank you to Curtis Moke of Raymore! On Aug. 25, he dropped off approximately 85 pairs of new shoes for Ray-Pec students.

Curtis organized a hole-in-one fundraiser event, recruited corporate sponsors, and raised funds to purchase the shoes for families who needed assistance as their children started back to school. As part of the fundraiser, which was named "Kicks for Kids," Curtis invited families to complete a request form specifying the size shoes needed. These shoes will be taken to schools for delivery to individual students.

Curtis also created a scholarship fund to benefit graduating seniors from Ray-Pec Academy, the district's alternative high school. Curtis created the fund in honor of Ray-Pec Academy Principal Jim Brown, who helped Curtis obtain his GED after he had dropped out of high school. The scholarship awards $2,000 to a student to use for trade school or college expenses. Curtis has a goal of continuing the scholarship award for 10 years.

Curtis, who is now a senior loan consultant with North American Savings Bank, had attended 12 schools before 7th grade, and faced many struggles during his high school years, including eviction and death of a family member. He has visited the Academy to talk to students about overcoming adversity.

Thank you for making a difference in our community and for our students!