Central Middle’s Audrey Harris Named J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week — A Celebration of Leadership, Growth, and Empowerment

Moses Wyatt
5 days ago
5 min read

Kansas City, KS — Central Middle School’s 7th-grader Audrey Renee Harris lit up her classroom as she was honored with the J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award — a weekly recognition program that celebrates students who embody Justice, Empowerment, Growth, Nurturing, and Advocacy, and who make positive impacts in their schools and communities.

Supported by community partners including the New Solutions Network, Kansas City Kansas Schools Foundation for Excellence, Merc Co+op, Eastside Innovation, Sonic Drive-In, 103.7 DaBeat and Nu Wall Street, the award goes beyond recognition to offer tools that help students and their families grow in leadership, confidence, and economic independence.

Recognizing Excellence and Heart

The classroom was filled with classmates, teachers, family, and community members — more than two dozen people — as Award Coordinator Coach Keyz welcomed everyone and introduced Audrey as this week’s honoree.

Audrey’s nomination was delivered by her science teacher, Serena Funches, who spoke passionately about her intellect, curiosity, and kindness. “Audrey brings not only a remarkable level of intelligence to our classroom, but also a curiosity and depth of understanding that elevates every discussion,” Funches shared during her nomination speech as part of the award presentation guide script. Audrey told our team that the moment that stood out most was “my science teacher speech about me,” reflecting how meaningful that recognition was.

Audrey herself said the award means a lot, especially hearing from the people who see her work every day. “It felt really special to be recognized in front of my friends and family,” she said.

A Proud Community Response

School Administrator Dr. Yolonda K. Thompson — present for the ceremony — appreciated the thoughtful reflections from Audrey’s teacher. “What stood out today was the thoughtful words from the teacher about the student,” she said. Dr. Thompson noted that the award fosters perseverance and community support among students, underscoring the importance of celebrating both character and academics in youth development.

Judge Tony Martinez, who presented the award, highlighted Audrey’s confidence and joy in the moment. “Audrey’s reaction to her award was immeasurable. She had a huge smile from ear to ear and nodded her head continuously,” he said. “She had her swagger on and projected it out to her classmates… No student had done that before. I appreciated the way she was throwing out her pride and confidence.” His enthusiastic delivery added to the celebration and encouraged others to embrace leadership and self-belief.

Coach Keyz also reflected on the day’s atmosphere: “The size and the support of the classroom was very impressive and heartwarming,” he said, noting that community presence strengthens the meaning of the award.

What the Award Stands For

The J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award was created to empower young people who excel in academics, behavior, leadership, and attendance, and who act as positive influences in their school community. Its purpose is not just to recognize excellence, but to fuel continued growth and opportunity for students. Each honoree receives meaningful recognition along with valuable tools — including gift cards, T-shirts, and educational materials — that support their journey toward economic independence, leadership, and future achievement.

During Audrey’s presentation, she and her nominating adult also received gift cards from Merc Co+op, free drink coupons from Sonic Drive-In, and official Student of the Week T-shirts courtesy of the Kansas City Kansas Schools Foundation for Excellence.

But the award goes even further. Each recipient also receives a Stockpile “Any Stock” Gift Card and an eBook, From Teen to Millionaire – A Guide For Young Investors by Chris Dunlap of Nu Wall Street. These gifts tie academic recognition to real-world financial literacy — a clear commitment by the Jegna Klub to equip students and families with knowledge and resources for long-term success.

Economic Empowerment and Next Steps

The award is more than a trophy. It acts as “a launchpad for economic empowerment and financial literacy for both students and the adults who uplift them.” Following the presentation, Audrey and her family were invited to attend the upcoming Economic Independence Academy workshops — a monthly in-person event that teaches financial fundamentals such as stock market basics, homeownership insights, real estate investing, and more. The next workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Grant Elementary School. These workshops — powered by partnerships with Nu Wall Street, Eastside Innovation, Kansas City Kansas Schools Foundation for Excellence, Wilson’s Pizza & Grill and Sonic Drive In — support students and families with high-impact, hands-on financial education.

KCKPS Families are invited to join us for the next Economic Independence Academy featuring Chris Dunlap (Nu Wall Street) & Erik Murray (Eastside Innovation) on Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026 from 5–7:30 PM at Grant Elementary.

Learn investing basics, real estate tips & financial planning.

✔️ Free

✔️ Spanish interpreter available

⚠️ Limited to 50 attendees

RSVP required to save your spot!

Spotlight on Leadership and Growth

Audrey’s exit slip responses reflected her confidence in the impact of the award. She rated the influence of the recognition as 5 out of 5 for positively influencing students and said the award promotes leadership in youth. Her response aligns with the award’s mission to nurture not just scholarly achievement, but the intangible qualities of self-belief, resilience, and peer encouragement.

Dr. Thompson noted that the recognition also promotes perseverance — especially when students learn that their effort is noticed and celebrated. Meanwhile, Judge Martinez pointed out how Audrey’s confidence and “swagger” communicated joy and strength to her peers.

Coach Keyz highlighted another important aspect: Audrey may be shy in class, but her determination and ability to “lock in and get things done” are qualities that leadership recognition brings to the surface.

How to Nominate a Student

The Jegna Klub invites any non relative adult, educators and community members, to nominate students who embody the award’s values. Nominations are open to students from kindergarten through college who demonstrate excellence in academics, behavior, leadership, attendance, and positive community impact.

To nominate a student:

1. Visit the Jegna Klub website

2. Select the “Student of the Week” program page.

3. Complete and submit the nomination form — including why the student deserves recognition.

Each week, a new awardee is selected — and each ceremony reinforces local pride, student confidence, and community collaboration.

Celebrating Youth, Building Futures

For Audrey Harris, the presentation was more than a ceremony — it was a moment of affirmation. As she continues her 7th-grade year at Central Middle School, the recognition reminds her that leadership, curiosity, and kindness are noticed and valued. Her classmates cheered, her teachers stood proudly, and community partners showed up — a testament to how celebrating young people can unite a school and inspire all who were present.

The J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award — made possible by meaningful community partnerships — stands as a guiding light for youth empowerment, financial literacy, and the belief that every student can grow toward economic independence and leadership.

Stay Connected

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