ABOUT THE AWARD

It is our belief that supporting students in defining and pursuing their individual versions of success is one of the greatest legacies we can leave for our community and one of the most important things we can do to build a better future.

This is not easily done, and as the saying goes, “It takes a village…” And it truly does. It takes administrators, teachers, school counselors. But it takes the entire community as well. Business leaders, parents, neighbors, and citizens of all sorts come together to ensure today’s youth become the leaders of tomorrow.

We have been truly blessed in the long history of the Maize School District to have been touched and impacted by some very incredible individuals. These individuals have – in their own ways – made an impact on the school district. They have made significant contributions to this institution and to its future. They have paved the way for the district to grow and to continue educating, motivating, and inspiring our young people to define and find their individual versions of success.

The Maize Education Foundation created the Legacy Honor in 2019 to recognize such individuals who have helped build and shape the legacy of the Maize School District and to celebrate them each year as part of our annual Spring Breakfast event.

Thank you to these individuals – and many more – for making our district what it is today and what it will be tomorrow.

NOMINATE AN HONOREE

If you would like to nominate someone to be recognized as a Legacy Honoree at our 2023 Spring Breakfast, please click here and let us know.

PAST HONOREES

2022 RICHARD STIVERSON

We are excited to name Richard Stiverson as our 2022 Legacy Honor Roll honoree. Receiving numerous nominations from across the community, the Maize Education Foundation voted unanimously to award him for his years of service to the district.

Richard began his first term as a Maize USD 266 board member in 1981 and offered 40 years of service to the district. His impact on our board, our schools, and our community cannot be understated. He oversaw the passing of 6 bond issues throughout his tenure, totaling $296,755,000. He served 6 terms as board Vice President and 8 terms as board President.

Richard’s nominators highlighted his service to the district, noting, “it is rare to find that sort of dedication and commitment in a volunteer role.” Those who worked alongside him share that, “Richard is among the best board members I have worked with. The entirety of Richard’s service to the Maize school district community was just that, serving a mission to do what he believed was best for students.”

The Maize community is indebted to Richard’s years of service, and we are excited to honor him at this year’s Spring Breakfast.

2020 - 2021 DEB AND CRAIG ELLIOTT

Deb Elliott was a teacher and counselor at Maize High School in her early years with the Maize School District, and by the time she retired, held the role of Director of Human Resources in a rapidly growing school district. She is most likely remembered for her instrumental role as Principal in the creation of Complete High School Maize, the district's alternative high school program, which has since grown to be recognized as a National School of Character.

Dr. Craig Elliott also held a number of different positions with the Maize School District, most notably that of Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Elliott's leadership was pivotal during a time of rapid growth in the Maize School District and saw the passing of multiple bond elections leading to the addition of a number of schools, including Maize Elementary, Pray-Woodman Elementary, Maize High School and Maize South Middle School. Dr. Elliott continues to impact education by mentoring school superintendents across Kansas.

Deb and Craig were recognized at our first virtual breakfast event in 2021. Thank you Deb and Dr. Craig Elliott for the legacy you have given and the inspiration we continue to receive from your passion for education!

2019 KENTON COX

Few architects have played a larger role in helping school districts across the state with building plans than Kenton Cox. A long-time partner at Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture, Cox worked with roughly 50 districts to plan, design and implement bond issue projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And Maize USD 266 is one of those school districts.

Kenton was a relentless advocate for public education, and served for a number of years as a board member and president of the Maize Education Foundation. His contributions demonstrate the responsibility of the entire community to come together in support of education. He was an architect who believed so much in Maize Schools, and he continues to inspire us to design and build a strong school community.

Kenton Cox was honored as the first recipient of the Maize Education Foundation Legacy Honor in 2019. Thank you, Kenton, for being a champion for education and for designing a legacy for our school district.