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26 Issues

In addition to receiving 26 issues of The Independent Kansas City’s Journal of Society, your subscription will include our annual publication, the Charitable Events Calendar and a subscription to our e-newsletter, The Insider. Questions about your current subscription? Contact Laura Gabriel at 816-471-2800.

#AAPI TRAILBLAZING Students

Mara Khanna is a student at Kansas City Ballet School. She will attend New York University this fall, and she intends to study ballet and psychology. Rochester, Minnesota, is Mara’s hometown. During her time in Our Town, she has taken online classes with BlueSky in Minnesota. Mara has appeared in student roles in Kansas City Ballet productions of The Nutcracker and Cinderella. During her free time, she enjoys baking, art, being with friends, and spending time with animals.  


Maria Nguyen is a senior at Bishop Miege High School. Along with her parents and five siblings, her family is involved in community service, primarily at nursing homes. Maria occupies one of the top leadership positions at Miege – she’s a “herd executive.” Maria is an honor student and involved in many activities. She is a cross country captain and a member of both the honor choir and the newspaper staff. Her future plans are to attend The University of Kansas and either take pre-med courses or study occupational therapy.  


Whether it involves swimming, playing the violin, working on cars, or working with computers, Matthew Estes of Shawnee Mission West High School is already putting in the dedication to be a renaissance man! He has made it to Top Orchestra at school, participated at the State Competition for swim and dive, and was selected to be part of Leadership Shawnee Mission. Matthew will attend The University of Kansas in the fall to study sports medicine. He is also a fan of technology and has built computers for himself and his father. And, in his spare time, he enjoys working on cars and with ceramics. We can’t wait to see what’s next!

Matthew Estes prepared for a swim competition.(Photo credit: Rebecca Knechtel)

Featured in the May 13, 2023 issue of The Independent. 

Features

War Horses For Veterans – The Derby Party

War Horses for Veterans, founded by Andy and Patricia Brown, held its third annual fundraiser, The Derby Party, on May 4th. More than 400 guests watched the Kentucky Derby race…

Symphony League of Kansas City – Spring Luncheon

Lidia’s was the lovely location for the Symphony League of Kansas City’s annual Spring Luncheon on May 8th. Mandy Burditt and Trish Mayer were the co-chairmen. Nearly 60 members and…

Symphony League of Kansas City – Ball Kickoff

Symphony League members gathered at Amy Volini’s beautiful home recently to kick off preparations for the 2024 Symphony Ball, “NOVA.”Amy and Julie Sykes hosted the fun event, where Ball Chairman…

Saint Luke’s Foundation – Spirit of Philanthropy Awards

In the spirit of gratitude, Saint Luke’s Foundation hosted its Spirit of Philanthropy Awards celebration on April 18th at the 1900 Building. Being honored this year are: Philanthropists of the…