Each year, KCSL acknowledges friends and partners who have gone above and beyond to make Kansas communities a better place for families. Our Hall of Fame Awards recognize individuals for helping ensure healthy outcomes for children through positive experiences. Here are this year’s awardees.
Board Leadership
The Board Leadership Award goes to a board member, past or present, who has provided long-term service and made a significant impact on KCSL’s ability to serve children and families.
Presented to: Dan Dejmal
The Board Leadership Award recognizes Dan Dejmal’s 15-year commitment to KCSL. Dan began as a key figure in establishing KCSL’s Hutchinson presence through the Community and Leadership Development Council (CLDC). He strategically expanded outreach in Reno County and forged vital connections and partnerships to amplify KCSL’s local impact.
As a pivotal member of KCSL’s Board of Directors for the past six years, Dan’s commitment to Kansas children and families has been invaluable. As he transitions from the Board of Directors to the KCSL Foundation Trustees, Dan reaffirms his profound belief in supporting and uplifting our community while also continuing support for the Wichita CLDC. His enduring dedication epitomizes exemplary board leadership that enriches KCSL’s mission, to protect and promote the well-being of children.
Glenna VanMetre Outstanding Volunteer
The Outstanding Volunteer Award celebrates an exceptional KCSL volunteer whose unwavering commitment and contributions have profoundly enriched their communities.
Presented to: Randy Steinert
Randy Steinert has demonstrated his dedication to serving children and families through 20+ years of partnership with KCSL. Randy began his involvement with KCSL’s Wichita Community Leadership and Development Council (CLDC). Later serving on both KCSL’s Board of Directors and the KCSL Foundation Trustees, Randy’s commitment shows his deep-rooted connection to the organization’s mission.
One of Randy’s significant contributions lies in his ability to foster crucial connections between KCSL and local businesses. Through his efforts, Randy has facilitated in-kind donations and introduced KCSL to new businesses and individual donors, which has significantly enhanced the organization’s resources and reach. His tenure at Emprise Bank provided a pivotal opportunity to strengthen KCSL’s partnership with the bank, showcasing Randy’s adeptness in leveraging professional networks for the greater good.
Alongside his wife Jan, Randy’s continued presence at KCSL’s annual fundraising event, the Red Stocking Breakfast, underscores his commitment to advancing the organization’s mission. Whether selling event tickets or coordinating raffle sales, Randy’s selfless dedication to supporting KCSL’s initiatives shines brightly. He truly embodies the spirit of volunteerism and community engagement.
Hilda Dyer Staff Achievement
The Staff Achievement Award recognizes a staff member, current or former, who through their service has made a lasting mark on KCSL.
Presented to: Marca Deimund
Marca Deimund illustrates the essence of the Hilda Dyer Staff Achievement Award through her dedication to serving families and children in southwest Kansas. Joining KCSL in 1996 as a family advocate, Marca has seamlessly transitioned through various roles and emerged as a pivotal figure in fostering community connections and enhancing program effectiveness. Her 28-year tenure with KCSL bears testimony to her enduring commitment.
Throughout her career, Marca has been a lifeline of support for families consistently going above and beyond to address their needs and concerns. As the family engagement coordinator, she played a crucial role in facilitating access to essential healthcare services, providing transportation, and offering invaluable emotional guidance to parents navigating challenging circumstances. Her genuine compassion and dedication have made her a trusted confidant and advocate within the community.
In her current role as a paraprofessional in KCSL’s Head Start program, Marca continues to represent the values of service and empathy while nurturing the growth and development of young children with boundless enthusiasm and warmth. Her willingness to embrace change with a positive attitude reflects her resilience and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Marca’s legacy of service, passion and dedication has made her an asset to KCSL and the community.
Corporate Friend of Children
The Corporate Friend of Children Award is presented to a corporation or business that has demonstrated outstanding commitment, support and investment to the well-being of children.
Presented to: BMO
BMO has been a valuable partner of KCSL for 25 years. Through their generous contributions totaling over $150,000, BMO has played a pivotal role in advancing KCSL’s purpose to improve the lives of Kansas children. Their commitment to social responsibility and community engagement is exemplified by their longstanding partnership with KCSL.
In addition to BMO’s financial support, KCSL has been fortunate to have Brad Heyen, vice president at BMO, serve on KCSL’s Board of Directors and the KCSL Foundation Trustees.
Brad has provided valuable insights and expertise to guide KCSL’s initiatives. His involvement reflects BMO’s legacy of working with organizations to elevate and enrich our communities.
The enduring partnership between BMO and KCSL underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing the needs of children and families in Kansas. Demonstrating corporate citizenship and social stewardship, BMO has helped provide transformational change in the communities served by KCSL.
Parent Achievement
The Parent Achievement Award recognizes a KCSL parent who has demonstrated leadership and become an exemplary role model to help other families thrive.
Presented to: Brittany Martin
Brittany Martin is honored for her community service, devotion and compassion towards families and children in southwest Kansas. With a background in social services and a heart for helping others, Brittany has dedicated her career to assisting those in need while imparting invaluable lessons of sympathy and service to her daughters.
Brittany, once part of KCSL’s Head Start herself, now participates in our program with her young daughters and champions the program. Motivated by her profound appreciation for the effect of early childhood education on her own life, Brittany became connected to KCSL through our home-based services while awaiting center-based services for her daughter. Witnessing her daughter’s excitement during these visits inspired Brittany to become more deeply involved with KCSL, ultimately leading her to serve on the Community Leadership and Development Council.
Brittany’s dedication to serving her community is evident through her various volunteer efforts including her partnership with CarePortal—a platform designed to address the needs of families with children in the home. Through her collaboration with CarePortal, Brittany has received essential resources such as clothing, food and financial assistance for families facing urgent situations. Fostering a network of support and resources for families in need, Brittany’s initiative in organizing community events has created invaluable opportunities for local agencies and service providers to connect with the community.
Brittany’s passion for advocacy extends beyond her professional endeavors as she champions for the African immigrant and refugee communities residing in southwest Kansas. Her commitment to giving back to her community is evident in her willingness to volunteer for various events with her family. Brittany’s story serves as a powerful testament to the transformative effect of compassion, advocacy and community engagement in fostering stronger, more resilient families and communities.
Parent Achievement
The Parent Achievement Award recognizes a KCSL parent who has demonstrated leadership and become an exemplary role model to help other families thrive.
Presented to: Lindsay Prater
Lindsay Prater’s parenting success represents the importance of support, especially during times of uncertainty. Parenting is a challenging job, even more challenging during times of isolation, but Lindsay found solace and support through KCSL.
Lindsay’s story unfolded during her pregnancy with her youngest daughter Brynlee, amid struggles concerning her oldest daughter’s mental health. These challenges were compounded by the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, through the weekly home visitations facilitated by KCSL, Lindsay discovered a lifeline in her home visitor. With KCSL’s help, Lindsay bravely faced all challenges and maintained her commitment to her children’s well-being.
One of the remarkable transformations observed in Lindsay’s story was Brynlee’s newfound confidence and sociability. Previously, Brynlee had been very shy, clinging to her mother in unfamiliar situations. However, with encouragement and opportunities provided by KCSL, Brynlee embraced family nights and other socialization activities to foster connections she may not have had otherwise. Through the support of KCSL, Lindsay found more confidence in her parenting journey.
Today, Lindsay’s bond with Brynlee flourishes, enriched by the lessons learned and commitment to enriching the lives of her children. Lindsay has expanded her passion for helping others through her role as Parent Teacher Organization president at Brynlee’s school and volunteer work with many other local organizations. She also gives back to KCSL when she can, donating supplies and necessities to other families. Lindsay’s success serves as a testament to the power of togetherness, illustrating how support during challenging times can cultivate stronger bonds, happier families and empowered parents.
Induction of Honorary Trustee Emeritus
In honor of their dedication and exceptional leadership to the KCSL Foundation Board of Trustees and their mission to support the work of Kansas Children’s Service League.
Presented to: Bette Morris
Bette Morris has been actively involved with KCSL for over four decades. Bette began her journey with KCSL in 1981 serving on KCSL’s Board of Directors. Before that, she was introduced to KCSL’s child advocacy initiatives in the late 1970s and collaborated with fellow Trustee Emeritus SuEllen Fried on the Governor’s Commission on Education for Parenthood. During her tenure as a KCSL Board Director, Bette played a crucial role in the establishment of the KCSL Foundation in 1997. She served as a KCSL Foundation Trustee from 1998 to 2024.
Bette’s contributions extend beyond her extensive tenure. With a background in public health nutrition and a Ph.D. in human development and family studies, she has brought valuable expertise to KCSL. More importantly, Bette has a keen sense of financial investment. Since the Foundation’s inception, Bette has played a pivotal role in ensuring its endowment continues to flourish and support KCSL.
Distinguished Service to Kansas Children
KCSL’s most prestigious honor, the Distinguished Service to Kansas Children Award is presented to a person or an organization that has done exemplary work for Kansas children with a lasting impact.
Presented to: Tanya Bulluck
With more than 20 years in the field, Tanya Bulluck is a leading figure in early childhood education. Earning her recognition both locally and nationally, Tanya’s initiatives have reshaped the landscape of child care accessibility and child abuse prevention. As the executive director at Child Start, Tanya oversees the organization’s mission to provide high-quality education and care to young children. She also serves as chair of the Wichita Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention (WCCAP) Child Care Workgroup, which works to improve the availability of affordable, regulated child care services in Sedgwick County.
One of Tanya’s remarkable contributions is the establishment of Creative Child Care Connections, a groundbreaking partnership facilitating matchmaking between child care providers and employers. This initiative not only promotes accessibility to affordable child care but also garnered national recognition with The Boston Globe commending its innovative approach. Tanya’s dedication extends beyond mere facilitation; she actively engages with local government and key officials to address critical regulations affecting child care in Wichita. Her collaborative efforts resulted in the repeal of burdensome regulations for the benefit of children and families.
Beyond her local endeavors, Tanya’s involvement with the National League of Cities (NLC) showcases her commitment to advancing early childhood entrepreneurship and support for child care providers. Through Tanya’s leadership, the city of Wichita has committed to providing business support and financial empowerment to mitigate inequities and ensure access to resources for the early childhood workforce. Tanya has championed policy reforms and access to essential resources, fostering a more supportive environment for early childhood educators.
Tanya’s strategic vision and unwavering advocacy exemplify the principles of service and compassion. Her commitment to excellence in early childhood education and improving the lives of children has left a lasting legacy in Kansas.
