ABOUT FRIENDS OF EDUCATION
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For more than 20 years, Blue Valley Schools has recognized individuals and organizations in the community who have made outstanding contributions to public education. We call this group our Friends of Education, but we also know them to be part of the Blue Valley family.
Some of them grew up in the district, directly impacted by our outstanding teachers and staff. Blue Valley cheered them on as they walked across the stage on graduation day. As they got older, some of them smiled through tears as their children walked into their kindergarten class on the first day in the same district they attended. From day one, they have shown their commitment to Blue Valley.
Some of them never attended Blue Valley but they are a family member of a child who did. They understand the importance of supporting public education and know their dedication to the district means we have the opportunity to guide our students to a successful future.
To our organizations and businesses — you know how important it is to have community partners that will join forces when called to action. We know the work you do is difficult and we appreciate you prioritizing our students. The district can never thank you enough for your endless and selfless dedication to our students, teachers and community.
2024 FRIENDS OF EDUCATION
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TOM MITCHELL, FORMER BOARD MEMBER
Tom Mitchell has dedicated over two decades to supporting our community, serving on the Blue Valley Board of Education for 12 years and the Blue Valley Educational Foundation board for six years. His unwavering support for BV students, staff and families will continue to have a positive impact.
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THOMAS HERZOG, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER AT NETSMART
Tom Herzog, a former Blue Valley parent and Chief Operations Officer at Netsmart, has made a significant impact on our district. As a strong supporter and mental health advocate, Tom's contributions range from his involvement with the Father's Club to his pivotal role in initiating Youth Mental Health First Aid training in collaboration with Johnson County Mental Health and Netsmart’s foundation, Everyday Matters.
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THE OVERLAND PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT
Since the 2021-22 school year, the Overland Park Fire Department has greatly impacted our Career Ready Program through their partnership in the Fire Science and Emergency Medical program. This collaboration has helped 30 Blue Valley students graduate from the program.
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JOHNSON COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
Since 1962, Johnson County Mental Health has grown into a vital organization offering a wide range of mental health services. Since 2015, they have partnered with Blue Valley to support our students from early childhood through high school. We proudly recognize Johnson County Mental Health as a Friend of Education for their invaluable contributions, including initiatives like Zero Reasons Why, Sources of Strength, a 24/7 crisis line, professional learning for staff, and parent education.
2023 FRIENDS OF EDUCATION
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THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HEALTH SYSTEM ATHLETIC TRAINERS
For 10 years, Blue Valley has partnered with The University of Kansas Health System Athletic Trainers to support and care for our student-athletes. This partnership has been important to the safety and support of Blue Valley student athletes.
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FATHER'S CLUB
The Father’s Club is a dad-led, grassroots effort creating simple ways for dads to be intentional with their kids, with other dads and within the community. From waking up early and handing out food as students walk into school to hosting tailgates for our staff members at sporting events, our Father’s Club are making a difference in the lives of our students and staff.
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VILLAGE SHALOM
Since the inception of the CAPS CNA program, Village Shalom has opened their community to our students for clinical training. Their commitment to our students starts with senior leadership and ends with front-line staff.
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JOHN CONSTANT, OWNER OF EPIC LANDSCAPE PRODUCTIONS LC
In 2015, John Constant designed and built a high-level cross country course at Blue Valley Southwest. He invested all of his own resources and time to create a space for not only Blue Valley student-athletes but all Kansas athletes.
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JINKIES! COFFEE AND HANGOUT
Jinkies is a local coffee shop located near 151st and Antioch and it is owned by Blue Valley Southwest graduate Madi Dombrowski and her mom, Lisa Dombrowski. The mother-daughter duo opened the shop in 2021. Last summer as the district was planning Rally in the Valley, our all-staff start-of-the-year celebration, Jinkies made a major contribution to our staff.
