News Summary
Kansas City is set to honor community heroes Alvin Brooks and John Sharp by renaming schools after them. The Hickman Mills School District awards this tribute in recognition of their lifelong dedication to education and public service. Alvin Brooks Middle School and John Sharp Early Learning Center will welcome students next year, inspiring future generations with their legacies.
Honoring Local Legends: Kansas City Schools Named After Community Heroes
Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as two remarkable men, Alvin Brooks and John Sharp, are being celebrated for their decades-long commitment to serving the community. The Hickman Mills School District is set to honor these leaders by renaming schools after them, with the upcoming Alvin Brooks Middle School and John Sharp Early Learning Center welcoming students next school year.
A Celebration of Lifelong Service
The renaming ceremony took place at the current locations of Hickman Mills South Middle School and the Ervin Early Learning Center, marking a significant event for the district and its residents. This heartfelt tribute to these two local heroes comes as a fitting acknowledgment of their invaluable contributions to the Kansas City area.
Meet Alvin Brooks
At 92 years old, Alvin Brooks is not just a name but a symbol of inspiration within the community. A lifelong civil rights leader, educator, and former police officer, Brooks has dedicated his life to advocating for public safety, equity, and education. He founded the AdHoc Group Against Crime, which plays a crucial role in addressing safety concerns in the area. Additionally, he’s served on the Kansas City Council and the National Drug Advisory Council, showcasing his commitment to creating a better environment for everyone.
Even today, Brooks continues to serve on the Hickman Mills Board of Education, where he manages to make an impact while humbly abstaining from voting on the school naming that honors him. This gesture speaks volumes about his character and selflessness, as he puts the interests of the community first.
Brooks strongly believes that education is the key to unlocking the potential of young people, emphasizing its necessity in today’s world. With more than half of Hickman Mills students identifying as Black, he recognizes the importance of equitable access to quality education and advocates accordingly.
Shining a Light on John Sharp
The other honoree, John Sharp, has made significant strides in improving educational opportunities in South Kansas City through his roles as a dedicated legislator and local council member. Sharp has served in the Missouri State Legislature, lending his voice to policies that support education and community wellbeing. His commitment is further demonstrated as a member of the Board of Education and the Hickman Mills Educational Foundation.
Sharp is well-known for championing scholarships and expanding educational opportunities for local students. In fact, he offers three annual scholarships to Ruskin High School seniors, helping aspiring young minds achieve their dreams. His tireless efforts and advocacy have built a strong foundation for better educational prospects within the region.
Unanimous Support from the Board
The renaming was unanimously approved by the HMC-1 Board of Education during their December 2024 meeting. District Superintendent Yaw Obeng played a pivotal role in this process, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these men while they are still alive, allowing the community to honor their legacies wholeheartedly.
Sharp has noted that despite facing challenges, students in the district continue to excel, demonstrating the impact of perseverance and determination. The upcoming school names are expected to instill pride among students and serve as daily reminders of the positive contributions Brooks and Sharp have made to the community.
Looking Ahead
As the schools make this exciting transformation, both Alvin Brooks and John Sharp are set to leave lasting legacies in the hearts and minds of students who walk through their doors. The initiatives they have promoted and the lives they have touched will undoubtedly inspire future generations to strive for excellence and give back to their communities.
With this recognition, Brooks and Sharp stand as shining examples for what it means to serve, advocate, and uplift a community. As Kansas City celebrates their dedication, it also looks forward to a future where education flourishes, safety prevails, and students thrive.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 4 KC
- Wikipedia: Alvin Brooks
- KSHB
- Google Search: Alvin Brooks
- Kansas City Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Service
- Kansas City Star
- Google News: John Sharp Kansas City
