Distinguished Person of Honor

(Jan. 10, 1948 —          )

Team player and community leader are two of the many terms used to describe Diane’s impact on Olathe Public Schools and the community. She joined the district in 1992 as a paraeducator and held two other positions before retiring as administrative assistant in the Community Development Office. While in Community Development, Diane coordinated the two-week visits of dozens of students as part of an international program. She assisted with planning of the district’s annual retiree dinners and the Olathe Public Schools Alumni Association’s Wall of Honor banquet, and helped organize the massive Back to School Outreach that serves hundreds of students in need. Her commitment to Olathe’s youth is evidenced by her years of involvement in the Olathe Noon Optimist Club events, including the Kids’ Fishing Derby and the Olathe’s Got Talent showcase and fundraiser. During the school year, she contacts Olathe high schools to solicit nominations for the Optimists’ Star Student and Teen of the Month programs. Diane served as president of the district’s Retired Employees Association and lent her leadership to the Community Organizations group, which brings together civic organizations to make a positive impact on the community.