One of the highlights of our year is the Kansas Youth Leadership Summit (KYLS) at Rock Springs Ranch. We love to send a team of excited kids and sponsors to an event packed full of exciting them even more.

KYLS hosts high school teams from all over the state who are recognized as being movers and shakers in their communities. They look at information about their own communities, hear speakers and attend breakout sessions about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how to make a difference where they live.

The team works together to come up with a personalized action plan for their home town or school. This year’s team is fired up and ready to change some "norms" in Hutchinson.

Bailey Stiggins says, “She is always energized by the new group of kids that she gets to take to KYLS. It is great to see them get so fired up to make a difference in such a chaotic and fast paced three day summit!”

In this photo: Back row, Maddie Page, MaKenzie Regier, Alex Walker, Jordan Downing

You may have heard that local emergency workers are trying to get together money to build a 9/11 Memorial. This will provide a place in Hutchinson to honor Americans who were impacted by the tragic events of 9/11/2001.

 
You can visit the Hutchinson Firefighters' web site for information on how to purchase a brick, which will be a permanent part of the memorial. Orders must be placed by 12/31/2011.

There is also this YouTube video with more information.