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Mayor Tyrone Garner Inspires Grant Elementary Students Through Jegna Klub’s Breakfast & Books Program



On November 17, 2025, Grant Elementary School welcomed a very special guest: Mayor Tyrone Garner of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas, as the Featured Reader for the Jegna Klub Breakfast & Books Program. This initiative is designed to do more than promote reading—it builds bridges between students and community leaders, inspiring confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.


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What Makes Breakfast & Books Unique?

The program pairs elementary students with positive adult role models from diverse industries. Over breakfast, these professionals share stories, read aloud, and introduce career pathways in a fun, engaging way. The goal? Shift mindsets about reading and life, while creating networks of support that last beyond the classroom. As Jegna Klub emphasizes, literacy is not just an academic skill—it’s a life skill, a foundation for success, and a tool for empowerment.


Mayor Garner’s Impactful Visit

Mayor Garner read the book “Nosey Rosey” by author Kevin Moore, delivering an animated reading that kept all 24 students engaged. But the real magic happened during the Q\&A session. Students asked thoughtful questions about leadership, community, and even the Mayor’s upcoming transition out of office. When asked if he felt sad about leaving his role, Mayor Garner replied: “It’s just the end of a chapter. Every ending opens the door to a new beginning.” This powerful message resonated deeply, teaching students about resilience and embracing change—lessons that extend far beyond politics.



Moments That Mattered

  • Personal Connection: Mayor Garner learned every student’s name, creating an atmosphere of respect and inclusion.

  • Curiosity Sparked: Students eagerly asked about civic traditions like the Christmas tree lighting, showing how community engagement can start early.

  • Leadership Lessons: His openness about life transitions offered a real-world example of adaptability and growth.


Ms. Polly Carlson, the classroom teacher, shared: “Mayor Garner was super kind and asked all the kids’ names. One student was thrilled to ask about the Christmas tree lighting—it made the day feel special.”


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Why This Matters for Wyandotte County

Programs like Breakfast & Books are critical in communities striving for educational equity. They provide students with role models who look like them, live in their neighborhoods, and lead with purpose. These experiences plant seeds of possibility, helping students envision futures filled with achievement and service. As Keyron Kimbrough, Breakfast & Books Coordinator, noted: “The students’ engagement with the Mayor and his position—they were very interested.”


Join the Movement

Jegna Klub is committed to creating more moments like this—moments that inspire, connect, and transform. Want to make a difference?


  • Volunteer as a Featured Reader

  • Sponsor a Breakfast & Books session

  • Donate to support literacy and leadership programs


Please email Moses.wyatt@thejegnaklub.org. Reminder- ALL our Volunteer Featured Readers are required to fill out a KCKPS volunteer application background check.


Breakfast & Books provides students with role models who look like them, live in their neighborhoods, and lead with purpose. Their engagement with Mayor Garner planted seeds of possibility, helping students envision futures filled with achievement and service.


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