Distinguished Alumni Recipients

2025 Recipients

  • Kathy Meyers has dedicated her life to serving her community through leadership, a commitment to education, and deep civic involvement. A lifelong resident of Grandview, Missouri, Kathy attended Grandview C-4 Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated from Grandview High School in 1976. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) in 1980.

    Her career began at Bendix, now Honeywell, where she worked from 1980 to 1992 in roles as a production control coordinator and quality control supervisor. In 1992, she joined her parents in their family-owned real estate business, working as a broker and salesperson until 2011.

    Kathy’s passion for education and community service is evident through her longstanding involvement with the Grandview C-4 School District. She served four terms on the Board of Education from 1996 to 2009, holding roles as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and serving on several committees. In 2011, she became the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Education, positions she continues to hold.

    Beyond her professional roles, Kathy is a founding member of the Grandview Education Foundation and a recipient of the Jefferson Boone Harmoney Award. She also serves on the Ray & Mary Klapmeyer and John & Ethyl Strode Memorial Scholarship Committees, supporting students pursuing higher education. Additionally, Kathy has served as a Parks & Recreation Commissioner and contributed her leadership to the Grandview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

    Throughout her life, Kathy Meyers has exemplified dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to education and the well-being of her community, making a lasting impact on the lives of Grandview residents.

  • Jazmin Burrell, a 2011 graduate of Grandview High School, has become a dynamic and strategic leader in both the tech and creative industries. With tenures at some of the most respected creative agencies —including McCann, 72andSunny, and Spike DDB— Jazmin has helped shape impactful work for some of the world's most recognizable brands. Her keen insight and commitment to purposeful storytelling have distinguished her as a leader in her field.

    Jazmin’s influence extends into the tech world as well. As a creative strategist lead at Snap Inc., she spearheaded world-class campaigns that captured attention from outlets like Vanity Fair, Vogue, AdWeek, and The New York Times. Her impressive body of work has earned her spots on prestigious lists such as Forbes 30 Under 30 and The Drum Future 50, along with a nomination for ADCOLOR's Rising Star award. She has also shared her expertise as a guest speaker at major conferences and shows, including D&AD.

    Beyond her corporate achievements, Jazmin has a passion for amplifying underrepresented voices. She founded Lizzie Della Creative Strategies, named after her great-grandmother, to support small and emerging minority- and women-led businesses. Through this practice, she helps these businesses find their voice in a crowded marketplace that often overlooks diverse perspectives.

    Jazmin’s academic foundation is as impressive as her career. She earned her degree in Strategic Communication from the esteemed School of Journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia, with minors in Spanish and Classical Humanities. Now based in Chicago, she serves as VP, Group Strategy Director at Cramer-Krasselt, the second-largest independent creative agency in the U.S. There, she leads creative strategy for major clients including Tropicana, the Alzheimer’s Association, Porsche, and Farm Credit Mid-America.

    Jazmin Burrell’s journey—from her roots at Grandview High School to her current role leading strategy at a top agency—reflects a lifelong commitment to creativity, innovation, and amplifying diverse voices in every space she occupies.

  • Shawn serves as Vice President of Philanthropy & Corporate Outreach at The University of Kansas Health System, where he brings his passion for relationships and community engagement to life. A 1985 graduate of Grandview High School, Shawn’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to fostering meaningful connections and driving impactful change.

    Shawn began his higher education at Indiana State University before transferring to William Jewell College, where he graduated with degrees in Communications and Public Relations. His professional path has been shaped by diverse experiences in media, sports, and business development. He worked for the Kansas City Comets, the Chiefs Radio Network (KCFX), and Chiefs TV (KCTV5), showcasing his dynamic skills and love for engaging audiences. He then helped launch TL Concepts, a residential real estate marketing firm, followed by a business development role with the Kansas City Chiefs.

    In January 2015, Shawn joined The University of Kansas Health System, a world-class academic medical center. As Vice President, Shawn’s work revolves around cultivating relationships—both philanthropic and corporate—along with community connections, sports team and venue partnerships, and economic development initiatives.

    Giving back to GHS, Shawn volunteered in the '90s with Young Life and mentored GHS students. As for giving back of his time to the Kansas City community, Shawn has served on numerous boards, including the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC), United Way, the Kansas City Sports Commission, Friendship Inn, and FCA. He has also served in many different capacities within his church, Colonial Presbyterian. All these roles reflect his belief that relationships are everything and the foundation for transformational, life-long change.

    Beyond his professional achievements, Shawn is dedicated to his family. He has been married for 33 years to his beautiful wife, Alison. Together, they have two children: Sam, a 2019 graduate of Pittsburg State University and member of the U.S. Army National Guard and Chloe, a 2021 graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan.

  • Diane Euston’s story is one of passion, community, and unwavering dedication. A 1998 graduate of Grandview High School, Diane transferred from Notre Dame de Sion and found a welcoming community and inspiring teachers. After earning her degree in Communication from Avila University in 2004, she spent ten years in outside sales before returning to her true calling: education.

    Starting as a volunteer 8th-grade volleyball coach, Diane discovered her love for teaching and, with support from her parents Helen and Larry, earned her graduate certification in High School English. After teaching at an inner-city charter school, she was thrilled to join the GHS English department.

    Diane’s passion for local history blossomed alongside her teaching. Her research on South Kansas City led to a blog and, in 2017, a regular column for the Martin City Telegraph. She also created a Kansas City History class at GHS—still the only one of its kind—where students create and share documentaries on KC’s past.

    In 2022, Diane took over GHS’s broadcasting program, growing Bulldog TV into an award-winning team that earned an “All Missouri” rating in 2024. They’re now building a professional studio to support their growing work.

    Her own education continued as well—she earned her second master’s degree in History from Missouri State University in 2023. Beyond the classroom, she co-hosts a local history podcast, serves on multiple boards, and has been honored with numerous awards, including an “Outstanding Teacher in American History” award in 2021.

    Today, Diane teaches English, Broadcasting, and KC History at GHS, inspiring students in the same halls she once walked. She lives in Waldo, where she enjoys gardening, home improvement, and sharing home-cooked meals with family and friends. Diane’s journey proves that passion for history and education can inspire generations and keep Kansas City’s past alive today.

2024 Recipients

Sunnie Carney - Class of 2013

Sunnie Carney, driven by her unwavering commitment to service and empowering youth is the epitome of resilience, compassion, and dedication. She embodies the values of leadership in everything she does. As the founder of Children of Homicide Victims, a grassroots non-profit birthed out of her own childhood trauma and pain turned purpose; Sunnie helps children navigate through grief and the loss of a parent to homicide, providing holistic support and resources to those in need.

In addition to her work with Children of Homicide Victims, Sunnie serves as an elementary school teacher and a Youth Ministry Director, committed to providing youth with tools and experiences beyond the classroom.

Sunnie's passion for making a difference extends beyond her community, as she also serves as a missionary, providing assistance and support to children in Guatemala. Her dedication to serving others knows no bounds, and she consistently goes above and beyond to uplift those in need.

Her innovative teaching methods and unwavering dedication have earned her recognition and accolades, including the KC People's Choice Award for Best Non-Profit in 2020 and a nomination for Teacher of the Year at the Educators in Excellence Awards by the Missouri Charter Schools Association.

Sunnie's trailblazing spirit, compassionate heart, and commitment to service make her a true inspiration and role model for future generations. Her tireless efforts to empower youth and create positive change in her community serve as a testament to her character and dedication to making the world a better place.

Above all, her most honorable role is being a mother to her loving 21-month-old daughter Luxan whom she hopes continues the legacy of service and empowerment.

John F. Doane, MD. - Class of 1982

Dr. Doane is a distinguished ophthalmologist, practicing at Discover Vision Centers across Kansas and Missouri. Serving as the President and Medical Director of Discover Vision Centers, he leads the Refractive Team, specializing in laser vision correction and premium IOL surgery.

With a wealth of experience, Dr. Doane also holds the role of Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. His academic journey began with honors from the University of Missouri – Columbia, where he graduated with Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa accolades. Subsequently, he attained his medical degree with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

Dr. Doane underwent rigorous training, completing his ophthalmology residency at the Kansas University Medical Center. He furthered his expertise through a Fellowship in Cornea, Refractive, and Anterior Segment Surgery at the renowned Hermann Eye Center in Houston, TX, and Centro Oftalmologico Colombiano in Bogota, Colombia.

In recognition of his contributions to the field, Dr. Doane received the prestigious Senior Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2012. He has held significant editorial positions, notably as the founding Chief Medical Editor of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today, and as past Chairman of the Board and President of the American / European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery.

Actively engaged in FDA clinical research for nearly three decades, Dr. Doane is a respected peer reviewer for esteemed journals such as the Journal of Refractive Surgery and Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. His expertise has been acknowledged with his inclusion among the Top 50 Refractive Surgeons in the United States.

At Discover Vision Centers, Dr. Doane oversees a vast network of 11 clinic locations, 4 surgery centers, and 2 laser vision correction centers, supported by a dedicated team of thirty-six doctors and over 280 staff members.

LTC Christopher L. Hanes - Class of 2002

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher L. Hanes is a dedicated leader, adept problem solver, and valued team member. Graduating from Grandview High School in 2002, he embarked on a fulfilling journey in the United States Army, leading soldiers to various destinations worldwide and gaining invaluable leadership experiences along the way. His diverse experiences have shaped him into a proficient leader, capable of steering teams through multiple projects, achieving common objectives, and effectively completing tasks.

Currently serving as an instructor at the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Lieutenant Colonel Hanes reflects with gratitude on the blessings and opportunities in his life, attributing them to his faith in Jesus Christ. He shares his life with his beloved wife Julie and their two children, daughter Loralie and son Dalton. Beyond his military duties, he enjoys hobbies such as farming, hunting, fishing, shooting, and practicing Jiu Jitsu.

Lieutenant Colonel Hanes has held notable positions throughout his military career, including Tank/Scout Platoon Leader and Tank Company Executive Officer in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Commander of D Company, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 1/25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and Commander of B Troop, 5th Squadron, 1st US Cavalry, 1/25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Additionally, he served as Operations Officer/Executive Officer of 1st Squadron, 4th US Cavalry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.

He has proudly served on deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Atlantic Resolve, earning commendable awards including the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with Valor Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Combat Action Badge. He holds the esteemed title of being commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel.

Lieutenant Colonel Hanes pursued his academic endeavors alongside his military service, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Central Missouri State University, a Master of Arts in Homeland Security from American Military University, and a Master of Arts in Operations Planning from the School of Advanced Military Studies.

The Honorable Brian C. Wimes - Class of 1984

Hon. Brian C. Wimes assumed the role of United States District Judge for the Western and Eastern Districts of Missouri in 2012, following his nomination by President Barack Obama and confirmation by the U.S. Senate. A native of Kansas City, Judge Wimes earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Kansas in 1990, and his law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in 1994.

Beginning his legal career in Washington, D.C., Judge Wimes joined the Honors Program with the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons - Litigation Branch. Returning to Missouri in 1995, he served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office until 2001, during which he received the Rookie Prosecutor of the Year Award. His focus on combating drug abuse and violent crime in Kansas City earned him numerous community service awards and a Meritorious Service Award from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

In 2001, Judge Wimes was appointed as Drug Court Commissioner, a role he held until 2007, where he facilitated the successful completion of over 500 individuals in the Jackson County Drug Court Program. As Circuit Judge in the 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, from 2007 to 2011, he presided over a diverse caseload and earned recognition as one of the 25 most influential African American Kansas Citians.

President Obama nominated Judge Wimes to the U.S. District Court in 2011, and he was confirmed by the Senate with an overwhelming vote of 92 to 1. Additionally, he serves in various judicial associations and actively promotes diversity within the legal profession through his involvement with organizations such as PREP-KC and Just the Beginning.

Looking ahead, Judge Wimes is committed to continuing his service in the community, fostering diversity in the legal field, and assuming the role of Chief District Judge for the Western District of Missouri.

2023 Recipients

Marla Lynn - Class of 1992

Marla is currently the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Transportation for the Grandview C-4 Transportation Department, a position she has held since 2019. She has worked in the Transportation Department for 18 years, both as a school bus driver and a driver trainer.

Marla puts her heart and soul into her job, ensuring students get to and from their homes and destinations for extracurricular activities in a timely manner. In 2019 she received the Above and Beyond Award from the school district, which recognizes staff members who go the extra mile to provide service that is above and beyond expectations. She willingly takes charge when the director is not available, taking ownership of any challenges that arise.

She is on the Potpourri Committee, which is a group of staff that meet with he Superintendent once a month to talk about the coming year’s calendar and changes that need to be made. Marla is also the Wellbeing Ambassador for the Transportation Department. In this role she and representatives from every building in the district meet with the district Wellbeing Coordinator to talk about upcoming events and pass that information onto their departments. In 2022 she joined the Youth Court Executive Board and is currently the President.

Marla is proud to live and work in the Grandview C-4 community. She has two sons, Tyler and Kevin that graduated from Grandview High School in 2014 and 2016 who are both Eagle Scouts. She is also a proud grandmother of two.

Christopher D. Markley - Class of 1999

Chris is currently the Chief of Standardization and Evaluation in the 931st Operations Group at McConnell AFB in Kansas. After college at the University of Central Missouri, where he earned a B.S. in Aviation Management, he began flying for a couple of regional airlines. He completed his Masters in Aviation Safety in 2006 and ultimately decided to join the Air Force Reserve with the intention to resume his airline career and fly for the military part-time.

After three years of initial training and deployments that began in 2006, he went back to the airlines in 2009. A short time later, Chris was offered the opportunity to become a full-time member of his unit, and he has served in that role since 2010. His unit was selected to transition from the KC-135 Stratotanker to the KC-46 Pegasus in 2014. It was at that time he was selected to lead the unit’s Program Integration Office. In that role, he was responsible for the integration of operations, maintenance, and training activities to support the Wing’s conversion from the KC-135 to the KC-46. In 2019 Chris was honored to be selected to fly the first delivery of the KC-46 to the Air Force in 2019.

Over the course of his Air Force career, he has accumulated over 5,000 flying hours in the KC-135 and KC-46. When added to his civilian flying hours, the total is over 8,000. He has flown more than 100 combat missions in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, NOBLE EAGLE and UNIFIED PROTECTOR. He was the first pilot in the Air Force Reserve Command to be qualified on the KC-46.

Chris has earned many awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Graduate, Undergraduate Pilot Training and Company Grade Officer of the Year, 2012.

When Chris isn’t working, he coaches both of his daughters on basketball teams and he’s also served in a number of volunteer roles at Christ Church in Wichita, KS. He regularly represents his unit in community outreach briefings, school visits, parades, and fly-overs.

Chris has been married to wife Shawna for 18 years, they have 2 daughters, Ava and Audrey, and they currently reside in Rose Hill, Kansas.

Byron K. Roberson - Class of 1987

Byron Roberson became the 7th Chief of Police for the City of Prairie Village Kansas when he was appointed on January 4, 2021. At the same time of this appointment, he became the first African American Chief of Police of any municipality in the history of Johnson County, Kansas.

Byron has served the cities of Prairie Village and Mission Hills Kansas, for over 28 years, starting his career as a police officer in 1995. During his career at Prairie Village, he has served as a Field Training Officer, worked as an Undercover Narcotics Detective and Shift Commander. He was a Team Commander of the Prairie Village SWAT Team for over 10 years.

Byron is a State of Kansas Certified Firearms Instructor and taught Critical Incident Response and weapons tactics for the Department for over 20 years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Criminal Justice from Jackson State University in Jackson Mississippi, a Master’s Degree of Administration of Justice from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri and is a also a graduate of the 269th Class of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia.

He is an Adjunct Professor in the Criminal Justice Department at the University of Missouri Kansas City and is an active member of the Johnson County NAACP, helping with cultural events put on by the organization throughout the year. Byron participates as a mentor for the Prep KC Organization that sponsors career building opportunities in the Grandview and Kansas City, Missouri School Districts. He recently announced publicly that he will be seeking election to the position of Johnson County Sheriff in the 2024.

2022 Recipients

Andre L. Davis - Class of 1985

André is a Corporate and Community Engagement Executive for Built Interior Construction, a Kansas City firm that creates custom and innovative commercial environments. He is a graduate of Doane   University and is very active on many civic and non-profit Boards such as Big Brothers Big Sisters - Kansas City, he served as a BIG Brother himself, the Kansas City Tomorrow Alumni  Association - as incoming President of the Board, serves on the Board for UMKC, is a consistent Speaker for Rockhurst University's - Executive Intelligence Speakers series for their Executive MBA program, is a Community Advisor for the Junior League of Greater Kansas City's Annual C3 Conference, and he's also a Mentor Volunteer with Prep KC which creates and implements strategies to improve college and career   preparation for Kansas City’s urban students just to name a few.  In addition, André and five of his    college roommates created and personally fund a   Scholarship that serves to help African American students with financial aid at Doane University.  André is continually volunteering his time to give back to the community, leveraging his influence, platform, and access to make an impact on people and organizations.

Ryan P. Hobbs, PhD - Class of 2000

Ryan is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Penn State College of Medicine where he teaches biomedical graduate students and runs a research lab that studies the biology of cancers and autoimmune diseases.  Following his graduation from the University of Missouri, he received a PhD from Northwestern University and conducted post-doctoral research at Johns Hopkins University.  Ryan has published over 20 articles in scientific journals, has received many funding awards for research, and has been invited to speak at more than a dozen research conferences, including in Canada and Italy.  Ryan shows great leadership and initiative in his profession by sponsoring the Milton S. Hershey High School student research exploration program, serving on PSU’s Diversity & Inclusion council and advising numerous junior scientists towards their academic and professional goals.  Ryan is also an active volunteer in his community as a boy scout den leader and soccer coach. 

Annette Turnbaugh - Class of 1976

Annette is a true example of commitment to her community. She was a member of a family-owned   business, the Jackson County Advocate, a local weekly newspaper, a Grandview Alderman for eleven years, a photographer, realtor and currently serves in the 101st General Assembly, Missouri House of Representatives. Her pride in the community shows through a positive display of home-grown servitude and her dedication shows through her life work.  In addition to serving as an elected official representing the citizens of Grandview, Annette is also serving as president of the Lions Cub and Historical Society, secretary of the VFW Auxiliary, and is a member of the Grandview Chamber of Commerce. Annette is a United States Equestrian Federation Registered Arabian horse judge and is a former member/officer of the Pony Express Horse Show circuit. She serves citizens in need, including being a surrogate to aging citizens and peers. Annette is committed to improving and representing the community and state she grew up in. 

 

Past Recipients

Jane Bryan - Class of 1947

Ina Jane Billingslea Bryan exemplifies what it means to be a distin­guished alum from Grandview. She attended Grandview schools through­out her early education, then after graduating from Central Missouri State University in 1951, Jane returned home where she was offered a job to teach junior high social studies. Thus, her 40-year teaching career in Grandview schools began. In 1967, Jane became librarian at Grandview High School, and she remained in that position until her retirement in 1991. She went on to serve on the Grandview Board of Education, and more recently, has been involved in the Grandview Education Founda­tion, the Order of Eastern Star, St. Matthew Presbyterian Church, her so­rority alumni club, General Federated Women’s Club, Grandview Retired School Personnel, and her bridge club, just to name a few.

Leonard Jones, Jr. - Class of 1973

Leonard D. Jones, Jr. has called Grandview his home for more than four decades. He was first elected to the Grandview Board of Aldermen in April of 1998; on January 21, 2014, the Board of Aldermen appointed him Mayor of Grandview to fill a vacancy. He was then elected to his first full term as Mayor in the April 2014 city election. He continues to serve in that role today, while balancing his time between his career at Sprint as a Sourcing Manager and leading the city of Grandview. He has actively served on many boards and commissions over the years, including: the Grandview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Little Blue Valley Sewer District Board of Trustees, VFW post 8100 and the ReDiscover Board of Directors. He received the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award from MCC Longview, and actively participates in municipal organizations such as the Missouri Municipal League and National League of Cities.