SparkWheel

SparkWheel is thrilled to announce that the Advisors Excel Charity Fund – Topeka Community Foundation is supporting our programming, including FutureNow: Finance at Topeka Schools, with a generous $22,000 gift through our SparkWheel Sponsorship Program. Read more in the article below.

?? #StudentSpotlight: Meet Sylas and Tayvon! ?? Best friends Sylas and Tayvon from Pittsburg Community Middle School are inseparable—wherever one goes, the other is right behind! These two are making the most of middle school, finding the freedom to explore their interests through activities like science club and gamer’s club. ???? Sylas has big plans to pursue zoology, while Tayvon is drawn to anesthesiology but also wants to keep his passion for band alive! ?? Since 6th grade, they've been having lunch with their SparkWheel Student Support Coordinator, Brenna, sharing both their highs and their challenges. The best part of SparkWheel, they agree, is having a place to talk about their day with someone who always has their back and ensures they’re set up for success. ?? We’re proud of these two and can’t wait to see what’s next for them! Keep exploring, Sylas and Tayvon! ?? #SparkWheel

?? Cheers to 10 Years, Angie VanLeeuwen! ?? Today, we’re celebrating a huge milestone—Angie’s 10th work anniversary! Angie has been the heart and soul of Chanute Elementary School as our dedicated Student Support Coordinator. Over the past decade, she’s touched countless lives, providing unwavering support and care to her students. ?? Thank you, Angie, for your incredible commitment, compassion, and hard work. Here’s to many more years of making a difference! ???? #SparkWheelStrong #10YearsOfImpact #ThankYouAngie

SparkWheel, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering students and strengthening communities, is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee. Read the article below to learn more.

?? #StudentSpotlight: Meet Kaydan! ?? Kaydan at Neodesha has been part of SparkWheel for three years, and his growth has been amazing! When he joined, he was struggling with attendance and grades, often keeping to himself. Now, he's become outgoing, keeps his grades up, and has significantly improved his attendance! ?? Kaydan is also involved in our Community Based Program, where he spends part of his school day helping at a local nursing home. Outside of school, he enjoys working with his grandmother at the flea market, going for walks, and has even taken up crocheting! ?? ?? Recently, he landed a job at Pizza Hut and is excited to start earning his own money. After graduation, Kaydan dreams of becoming a traveling nurse to help people across the country. ?? Here's what Kaydan has to say about SparkWheel: “I like Mrs. Cefarelli because she is very kind and treats us right.” Seeing his Student Support Coordinator every Monday and Friday keeps him motivated and supported. We’re proud of Kaydan’s journey and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next! Keep it up, Kaydan! ?? #SparkWheel

???? Happy 3rd Work Anniversary, Audra Grote! ???? Today we’re celebrating Audra, our amazing Student Support Coordinator at Troy Middle School! Her supervisor shared, “Your commitment, creativity, and attention to detail have truly elevated our team and the work we do. Whether you’re tackling challenges head-on, supporting others, or bringing fresh ideas to the table, you consistently make a difference.” Thank you, Audra, for all your dedication and passion over the past three years. We’re so grateful to have you on the SparkWheel team and can’t wait to see all the great things you’ll continue to accomplish! ???? #SparkWheelStrong #WorkAnniversary #StudentSupportRockstar

SparkWheel is thrilled to announce the generous renewal of the Finnup Foundation Trust's annual grant, providing $20,000 in vital support for the group’s programming at Garden City High School. Read more in the article below.

?? #StudentSpotlight: Meet Oneil! ?? Oneil has been on SparkWheel’s caseload for four years, and this year marks an incredible milestone—he’s skipping the 11th grade and is set to graduate from Crossroads Preparatory Academy early! ?? Oneil’s journey with SparkWheel began in 8th grade, and from day one, he’s shown amazing growth in both his academics and behavior. Over the years, he’s significantly reduced his tardies and excelled academically. Last year, he stepped up as a leader by facilitating a peer mediation with minimal support from school staff—a proud moment that highlighted his maturity and empathy. ?? Here's a little more about Oneil: ?? Favorite Subject: Math, where he’s always excelled. ?? Favorite Activities: Basketball, family time, video games, and relaxing. ??? Future Goal: He dreams of a career in construction, where he can work with his hands and build things. ?? Favorite Thing About SparkWheel: "There’s always support and a helping hand for anything you need." ?? Shoutout to Mr. Craig: "Mr. Craig is always there, listens, and finds a solution—he’s a peaceful person." We’re beyond proud of Oneil’s accomplishments and can’t wait to see all the great things he’ll achieve. Keep shining, Oneil! ?? #SparkWheel

SparkWheel is honored to announce that we have been awarded a $6,000 grant from Finney County United Way. This generous award will support our ongoing work at Garden City High School, where we strive to help students overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.?Read more in the article below.

This week's #StudentSpotlight shines on Chanute Elementary School student Cambira! Cambria enjoys lending a hand to her classmates and being a big sister (and little) to her siblings. Cambria has a contagious smile and likes to make everyone around her smile. She has been part of SparkWheel's family during her elementary school years. Her Student Support Coordinator, Angie VanLeeuwen, helps Cambria with sharpening her life skills, building self-confidence, and maintaining her wealth of empathy and spark! "Cambria is always first to lend a hand or help a friend. It doesn’t matter who you are or what needs to be done," says Angie. She rarely complains to Ms. Angie. Cambria is much like a junior Student Support Coordinator, and this year she is helping read to younger students during morning groups. With having a younger sibling, Cambria easily shows the younger students kindness and grace. It’s a joy watching her. Cambria continues to put her best foot forward at school by making good choices and showing Chanute Elementary School’s STAR expectations. Cambria enjoys reading, art, and school. She loves helping with her baby sister and watching her older brother play football. Many times, Ms. Angie and Cambria sit together at games and catch up with Cambria’s family. We are over the top proud of Cambria and her achievements at Chanute Elementary School. We are excited to see how she continues to #SparkTheFuture!