Some of life’s most powerful lessons aren’t taught behind a classroom desk. Sometimes, they’re learned through a handshake, holding open a door, or extending kindness to someone in need.
For six eighth-grade scholar interns from Rosedale Middle School, Thursday, November 12, 2026, became an unforgettable lesson in leadership, professionalism, and community engagement.
Through Connecting The Dottes After School Klub, an initiative of The JEGNA Klub Inc., the scholars volunteered at Mayor Christal E. Watson’s Love Thy Neighbor Prayer Breakfast, held at the Bonner Springs Community Center.
The event’s tagline, Faith. Community. Connection., provided the perfect setting for young people to discover that leadership begins with service.
From the Classroom to Community Leadership
Scholar interns Valerie Prieto-Pardo, Cornelius Springfield, Roberto Carrillo Martinez, Kimberly Isidro Viveros, Aylin Ortiz Perez, and Liliana Overton served as greeters and attendants. They held doors, welcomed guests and helped them find their assigned seats.
Their responsibilities required confidence, communication, professionalism, and attention to detail—skills often discussed in classrooms but rarely practiced alongside influential community leaders.
Among the guests the students welcomed were leaders from their own school district, including KCKPS Superintendent Dr. Anna Stubblefield, as well as Bonner Springs Mayor Tom Stephens and Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree.
These encounters provided something invaluable: exposure to leadership and the realization that young people belong in spaces where community decisions and conversations take place.
Small Acts, Powerful Lessons
While meeting prominent community figures was exciting, the scholars’ reflections revealed that meaningful connections made the greatest impressions.
Valerie especially enjoyed meeting people and helping guests. One memorable moment involved assisting Pastor Hunter Parker’s wife by bringing her a breakfast plate while she attended to their baby.
That simple gesture embodied the breakfast’s message: Love Thy Neighbor.
Cornelius humorously identified “eating the bacon” as his favorite moment before adding, “but to be for real meeting all the famous people in our community.”
Roberto enjoyed welcoming guests, while Kimberly appreciated learning about different professional roles. Aylin and Liliana highlighted greeting attendees and holding doors.
Their experiences reinforced an important lesson: leadership isn’t always about holding a title. Sometimes, it’s about making others feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
A Wyandotte County Tradition More Than 50 Years Old
Watson’s Love Thy Neighbor Prayer Breakfast carried on a Wyandotte County tradition dating back more than 50 years. In 2019, The Community Voice reported that the county’s mayors’ prayer breakfast was marking its 45th annual gathering at the Reardon Convention Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Former Mayor Tyrone Garner also held public prayer breakfasts during his tenure, including a 2023 gathering at Memorial Hall.
This year’s breakfast in Bonner Springs was open to the public. The invitation called on residents, faith leaders and community partners to gather for prayer and fellowship focused on Wyandotte County’s future. The program included prayers and reflections on infrastructure, business, housing and community.
The Rev. Desmond C. Lamb, senior pastor of Forest Grove Baptist Church and executive director of Friends of Yates, delivered the featured message. Watson offered closing remarks.
Building Confidence Beyond the Classroom
For Moses “Coach Mo” Wyatt Jr., who leads The JEGNA Klub Inc. and facilitates Connecting The Dottes, the experience demonstrated the value of intentional, career-connected learning.
“Today was an opportunity for our scholar interns to engage with community leaders, clergy and elected officials that they normally would not cross paths with in a setting where they can practice communication skills. I was very proud of how they spoke and handled themselves professionally!”
Connecting The Dottes introduces scholars to multimedia production, broadcasting, journalism, and storytelling. However, its mission extends beyond cameras and microphones to developing confident, capable young leaders.
Nancy Hale, who accompanied the scholars, echoed that enthusiasm.
“I think our scholars loved it. They were so enthusiastic when greeting and speaking to all of the dignitaries. I also loved meeting Commissioner Howard who is a product of KCKPS. It was so great to see someone so young invested in the community and the future of our youth.”
District 1 Commissioner Jermaine Howard’s connection to KCKPS also offered a powerful example of representation—demonstrating that today’s students can become tomorrow’s community leaders.
Opening Doors to the Future
The most important outcome of the morning wasn’t found in the official program or seating chart.
It was reflected in six young people who confidently stepped into unfamiliar surroundings and demonstrated that middle school students can make meaningful contributions when given opportunities.
They weren’t simply spectators. They were active participants representing Rosedale Middle School, KCKPS, and their community with pride.
Through coaching and real-world experiences, Connecting The Dottes continues bridging the gap between classroom learning and community engagement.
Six eighth graders arrived prepared to open doors for others.
In the process, new doors of possibility opened for them.
Because the future of Kansas City, Kansas, isn’t just sitting in our classrooms.
It’s already standing at the door, welcoming the community in.
Connecting The Dottes After School Klub at Rosedale Middle School is a youth multimedia, broadcasting, journalism, and career-connected learning initiative facilitated by The JEGNA Klub Inc., empowering young scholars through coaching, storytelling, and community engagement.
