Sumner Academy students, staff helped build school in Guatemala; district seeks to expand program

Five students and staff from Sumner Academy explained to the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education on Sept. 9 how a summer service trip to Guatemala helped construct classrooms and engaged both students and the host community.

Nevaeh Williams, a Sumner Academy senior who was among the five students, described the trip as "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" that changed her perspective on community and learning. The group participated in a Build On trek where they helped construct a two-classroom building, installed sanitary facilities and worked with residents of the San Lucas community. The students also took part in cultural exchanges, language learning and community activities.

Crystal Watson, executive director of the Foundation for Excellence, said the trip was funded through a grant partnership with JE Dunn Kaufman and foundation contributions. Watson told the board the district plans to pursue additional grants so students from other high schools can take part in similar international service and learning trips.

Sumner staff who went on the trip described visible changes in participating students— confidence, teamwork and leadership. The teacher chaperone said watching students support one another after long days of construction and cultural immersion was a highlight of the trip.

Superintendent Dr. Stubblefield and board members recognized the students for their work and noted the district will review possible funding and program models to expand the opportunity. Board members asked questions, thanked the group and congratulated senior Nevaeh Williams on recent college acceptance news shared in the meeting: Williams was accepted to Kansas State University's engineering program.

Board members said they welcomed more information on cost, logistics and equitable access if the district pursues a broader program offering.