Distinguished Person of Honor

(June 1, 1946 —          )

Coming to Olathe in 1979 after teaching in the Shawnee Mission School District, Pat began her career as an assistant principal at Olathe High School. She served as principal at Oregon Trail Junior High and Olathe South High School. Her 31 years in key leadership positions included director of secondary education, executive director of education and technology, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent. She served as superintendent for five years and again as interim superintendent for one year. Pat helped to implement the 21st Century and AVID programs as well as the configuration of secondary sites to four-year high schools and a three-year middle school model. In addition to her progressive mark on the district, she continues to remain active in the community and serves on the Olathe Medical Board of Trustees, KidsTLC Board of Directors, and United Community Services board. Among her acknowledgements, she received Olathe’s Citizen of the Year in 2009, the Community Goodwill Award in 2010, as well as the 2010 Distinguished Community Service Award from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Her commitment to education excellence for all students in the Olathe Public Schools and achievements in her professional life have made a positive impact in the community.