Dr. Anna Stubblefield Inspires Young Minds at Grant Elementary Through Jegna Klub’s Breakfast & Books Program

A Levi Lee and Jegna Klub Interns Collaboration

On the morning of October 8, 2025, Mrs Crafts 5th grade class at Grant Elementary School buzzed with excitement and curiosity as students gathered for a special edition of the Jegna Klub’s Breakfast & Books Program. The featured reader for the day was none other than Dr. Anna Stubblefield, Superintendent of Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS), who brought warmth, wisdom, and inspiration to the young Mustangs.

The Breakfast & Books Program, a signature initiative of the Jegna Klub, is designed to shift elementary students’ mindsets about reading and life by connecting them with positive adult role models from diverse professional backgrounds. Over breakfast, these community leaders read aloud in engaging styles, share stories from their careers, and begin building networks of support for students—one book and one conversation at a time.

Dr. Stubblefield’s visit was a powerful example of this mission in action. With 22 students in attendance, the room was filled with eager faces and attentive ears. Ten students actively participated—asking questions, sharing thoughts about the book, and engaging in meaningful dialogue. According to Dr. Stubblefield, one of the highlights of the morning was simply “talking to students.” She noted a particularly memorable moment when students expressed genuine interest in her role as superintendent, sparking a conversation about leadership, education, and possibilities for their own futures.

The Jegna Klub’s Breakfast & Books Program has been a transformative force across multiple campuses, including Grant Elementary, where it has become a weekly tradition. Every Wednesday from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m., students are invited to experience reading in a new light—through the lens of community connection and career exploration. The program’s impact is backed by research: studies from the U.S. Department of Education show that exposure to positive adult role models significantly increases a child’s likelihood of academic success and reduces risks associated with poverty and poor decision-making.

Dr. Stubblefield’s participation also reflects her ongoing support for the Jegna Klub’s broader mission. In a previous recognition at the KCK Schools Foundation for Excellence Breakfast, she praised the Klub’s contributions to youth development, particularly through initiatives like Breakfast & Books. Her presence at Grant Elementary further solidified the partnership between KCKPS and the Jegna Klub, demonstrating a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

The Jegna Klub, founded in 2017, continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact. From its Economic Independence Academy to Connecting The Dottes multimedia internships, the organization is building a community of youth with entrepreneurial mindsets and strong support systems. Breakfast & Books is a cornerstone of this vision—bringing literacy, mentorship, and career awareness into the lives of students who need it most.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Stubblefield offered a simple yet powerful suggestion for future sessions: “Loved it.” Her words echo the sentiment of many who have participated in the program—whether as readers, educators, or students. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful moments come from the simplest acts: sharing a story, asking a question, or showing up with intention.

As the Jegna Klub continues to grow, the Breakfast & Books Program remains a beacon of hope and possibility. With leaders like Dr. Stubblefield at the table, the future looks bright for the students of Grant Elementary—and for the entire Kansas City, Kansas community.