Each year, a community member or firm that has provided support to the Foundation and to Topeka Public Schools is honored with the Foundation’s Patron Award. The 2014 recipient was John B. Dicus of Capitol Federal Savings. Dicus and Capitol Federal have been partners with TPS for many years, providing funding to build Hummer Sports Park’s natatorium. They have also partnered with Highland Park Central Elementary for over 17 years. Through this partnership, Capitol Federal employees read to and mentor HPC students. Dicus is a graduate of Topeka West High School and all three of his daughters attend or have graduated from TPS schools.
Pamela Johnson-Betts described Dicus as a stalwart of public education and said the Foundation was delighted to honor him for his many contributions to Topeka Public Schools. “As a Foundation business partner and TPS graduate, John continually shows his commitment to developing a better future for our students.”
TPS communications specialist Anthony Bush created two videos for the event, one describing the Foundation’s work and the other illustrating the work of John Dicus to unveil the Patron Award. Foundation board member Jim Ogle served as emcee and called for action resulting in a record amount of $3,300 being raised at the breakfast.
Other event highlights included a State of the District presentation by Superintendent Julie Ford, and performances by the Highland Park High School AFJROTC students, led by SMSGT Fernando Adams, the Topeka High School Jazz Band, led by Steve Holloman, TWHS student Lucero Padilla, and Chase Middle School student Maci Nemechek, accompanied by TPS music teacher Michiko Snell.
