3 Days. 18 Schools. Countless Lives Changed.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 School Grant Recipients
ASCENSION CATHOLIC SCHOOL
When a child struggles to read, everything else gets harder. That's why we're so proud to have presented Ascension Catholic School with a grant to hire a Literacy Interventionist. Kim Hammers, Executive Director and Board Members Jim Hamilton, Michael Lynch, and Justin Denegri were welcomed by Principal Becky Wright, Assistant Principal Kelly Rose, Teachers Abby Murphy, Jen Robbins, and Bridget Maloney, and the students who made the whole room light up. Thank you, Ascension, for EMBRACING every learner.
BISHOP MIEGE HIGH SCHOOL
What a morning at Bishop Miege High School! Kim Hammers, Executive Director, and Board Members Amanda Connealy, Jim Hamilton, and Lynn Dunn were there to present a grant for curriculum and professional development — an investment in the teachers and staff who pour into students every day. They were welcomed by Interim President Joe Shramp, Principal Maureen Engen, Director of Student Services Mallorie Hurlbert, Assistant Principal/Dean of Students Alex Keith, and Miege students. This community gets it.
CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Students at Christ the King Catholic School are getting something they deserve — a school counselor dedicated to their social and emotional well-being. Executive Director Kim Hammers visited CTK to present the grant and was welcomed by Principal Tricia Morgan and the students of Christ the King. We are so proud to partner with this community!
CURÉ OF ARS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A great school never stops learning — and neither do great teachers. We were honored to present Curé of Ars Catholic School with a grant for curriculum to strengthen learning across their school community. Executive Director Kim Hammers and Board Members Jim Kernell, Amanda Connealy, and Lynn Dunn were welcomed by Pastor Fr. Riley, Director of Resource Liz Engelbert, Head of School Natalie McDonough, and the students of Curé of Ars. So grateful for this partnership!
HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Every student carries something — and Holy Cross Catholic School wants to make sure no one carries it alone. We were proud to present a grant to fund a school counselor dedicated to the social and emotional well-being of their students. Kim Hammers, Executive Director, and Board Members Tonja Lynde-Kernell, Amanda Connealy, and Lynn Dunn were joined by Principal Ben Compton, Teacher Megan Mandl, Counselor Marian Petri, and the students of Holy Cross. Thank you, Holy Cross!
HOLY NAME OF JESUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School is getting a part-time counselor — and we couldn't be more excited about it! Executive Director Kim Hammers and Board Member Lynn Dunn visited HNM to deliver the good news in person, joined by Principal Nathan Girard, Math Teacher John Leon, and the students who make this school shine. Thank you, HNJ, for showing up for every single kid.
HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Holy Spirit Catholic School is doing something really special — and we're honored to be part of it. This grant will fund a Resource Teacher AND support an adult employee with disabilities within their school community, because EMBRACE believes everyone belongs. Kim Hammers, Executive Director, and Board Members Tonja Lynde-Kernell, Amanda Connealy, and Lynn Dunn made the presentation alongside Fr. Justin Hamilton, Principal Maureen Huppe, Teacher Lori Dugan, and Holy Spirit students.
HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL — PAOLA
Great teaching starts with great training. Executive Director Kim Hammers made the trip to Paola to present Holy Trinity Catholic School with a grant for professional development — an investment in the teachers who show up every day for their students. She was joined by Principal Michelle Gavin, Fr. Joe Sellas, and the students of Holy Trinity. So grateful for this school!
JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Every child deserves the right support. That's why we were thrilled to visit John Paul II Catholic School and present a grant to hire a part-time Special Education Teacher. Kim Hammers, Executive Director, and Board Members Amanda Connealy and Lynn Dunn made the trip, and they were joined by Principal Kathleen Mersman and JP2 students who reminded us exactly why this work matters. Thank you, JP2!
NATIVITY PARISH SCHOOL
Nativity Parish School, you are loved! Kim Hammers, Executive Director, and Board Members Jim Kernell, Amanda Connealy, and Lynn Dunn had the joy of presenting Nativity with a grant to hire a paraprofessional to support students in the classroom. They were joined by Principal Luke Jennison, Assistant Principal Kelly Hendrickson, Katie Vervynck, and the wonderful students of Nativity. Thank you for EMBRACING every learner!
PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Math is hard. Having the right support makes all the difference. Executive Director Kim Hammers and Board Members Jim Hamilton and Justin Denegri visited Prince of Peace Catholic School to present a grant to hire a Math Interventionist — someone who will meet students exactly where they are. They were joined by Principal Caitlyn Allen, Resource Teacher Julie Bartz, and the students of Prince of Peace. So proud of this school!
QUEEN OF THE HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL - WEA
Reading opens every door — and Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic School is making sure more students can walk through it. Kim Hammers, Executive Director, visited to present a grant to hire an ELA Interventionist to support students with reading and language arts. She was welcomed by Principal Nick Antista, Fr. Jerry, and QOHR students. Thank you for investing in your learners!
RESURRECTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Big news for Resurrection Catholic School! Executive Director Kim Hammers and Board Members Michael Lynch and Lynn Dunn stopped by to present a grant that will fund a paraprofessional to support students in the classroom. Celebrating with them were Principal Gerald Baker, Director of Development Ellen Riley, and the incredible students of Resurrection. We are so grateful for this school community!
SACRED HEART OF JESUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL — SHAWNEE
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School in Shawnee is growing their team — with a little help from EMBRACE! Executive Director Kim Hammers and Board Members Tonja Lynde-Kernell, Amanda Connealy, and Lynn Dunn presented a grant to hire a paraprofessional to support students in the classroom. They were welcomed by Principal Kathy Rhodes, Director of Student Services Sarah Hart, Vice Principal Angela Rockers, and the students of Sacred Heart. What a beautiful school community!
ST. ANN'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
St. Ann's Catholic School is investing in math support for their students — and EMBRACE is proud to help make it happen. Kim Hammers, Executive Director, and Board Members Amanda Connealy and Lynn Dunn presented a grant to fund a Math Interventionist, joined by Principal Kelli Minshall, Assistant Principal Jessica Loveland, Learning Coordinator Jodie Gittemeier, and the students of St. Ann's. Way to go, St. Ann's!
ST. JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY
St. John Paul II Academy is expanding what's possible for students with unique learning needs — and we are here for it! Executive Director Kim Hammers and Board Member Jim Hamilton presented a grant to grow their Resource Center with specialized staff who can walk alongside students where they are. Head of School Jenny Kropf, the JP2 Academy teachers, and students made this visit one to remember. Keep going, St. John Paul II Academy!
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A Resource Coordinator can change everything for a student who learns differently. We were grateful to bring that support to St. John the Evangelist Catholic School! Executive Director Kim Hammers presented the grant and was joined by Principal Jeff Harkin, Fr. John Toepfer, and SJE students. Thank you for making room for every child at the table.
ST. PAUL CATHOLIC SCHOOL — OLATHE
Literacy is the foundation everything else is built on — and St. Paul Catholic School in Olathe is strengthening that foundation for every student. Executive Director Kim Hammers and Board Members Jim Hamilton, Michael Lynch, and Justin Denegri presented a grant for a Reading Curriculum that will support learners across the school. They were joined by Principal Jenny Yankovich, Teacher Julie Boham, and the students who made this visit so joyful. Thank you, St. Paul!