The Blue Valley Educational Foundation held its 17^th annual Community Breakfast Aug. 21 at theOverland Park Convention Center.

            John Holt with Fox 4 News hosted the event. The breakfast opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Aleixi Martinez, paraprofessional from Blue Valley North High School, who became a United States citizen in 2006.

A video showcasing last year's BVEF grants was shown as the guests enjoyed breakfast.

            Three presenting sponsors were recognized for donating at the $10,000 level: The Administrative Assistants, Ltd., First National Bank and Shawnee Mission Medical Center . Underwriting sponsors Capital Federal Savings and Regnier Family Foundations were recognized for donating $7,500.

            All 31 Blue Valley parent organizations were thanked for their sponsorship by BVEF Executive Director, Kate Allen and BVEF President, Mark Cosby. The parent groups' cumulative donations were recognized at the presenting sponsor level.

            Staff and student Sunflower Ambassadors who exemplify the Blue Valley Virtues were honored. Student Ambassador Sarah Brabston from Sunset Ridge Elementary and Staff Ambassador Courtney Domoney from Prairie Star Middle School were the winners of a laptop drawing compliments of Dell Computers.

            The highlight of the breakfast was the "State of the District" address given by Superintendent Tom Trigg to the more than 900 attendees.

            Dr. Trigg highlighted some of the district's accomplishments and progress on the strategic plan such as 94% of Blue Valley students meeting standards or better in math and 95% meeting standards or better in reading.

            Natalie Como, a Blue Valley North graduate, was named a U. S. Presidential Scholar and she shared her accomplishments in a video story.

            Dr. Trigg closed with the success story of Ryan McHenry, who encompasses everything about a goal of the strategic plan to provide unparalleled personal growth for every student. Ryan is a Blue Valley North junior with cerebral palsy who is an active member of the BVN football team thanks to football coach Jason Jones.

          This year's breakfast raised more than $179,000, a 100 percent increase from tow years ago and a record-breaking amount for the foundation.