Before participating in 20/20 Leadership, Gary Bradley-Lopez
knew that he wanted to leave home as soon as the opportunity presented
itself. With the many negative
perceptions of Wyandotte County, including the distinction of being named one
of the least healthy counties in the state, it was difficult for him to see
what opportunities existed for him. One
of the first experiences students have with 20/20 Leadership as juniors is a
visit to Quindaro Ruins, a county landmark where years ago, slaves escaped the
state of Missouri to find freedom in Kansas.
knew that he wanted to leave home as soon as the opportunity presented
itself. With the many negative
perceptions of Wyandotte County, including the distinction of being named one
of the least healthy counties in the state, it was difficult for him to see
what opportunities existed for him. One
of the first experiences students have with 20/20 Leadership as juniors is a
visit to Quindaro Ruins, a county landmark where years ago, slaves escaped the
state of Missouri to find freedom in Kansas.
“Neither my father nor my mother knew about it,” Gary
said. “But seeing it was a feeling that
I won’t ever forget because it was a site of gratefulness and release of the
cruel world of oppression.” This was
just the beginning of transformative experiences for Gary that came from
involvement in 20/20 Leadership. After
having the opportunity to learn more about the Kansas City metropolitan area
through the program, including politics on the local and state level, he was
sold on staying around.
said. “But seeing it was a feeling that
I won’t ever forget because it was a site of gratefulness and release of the
cruel world of oppression.” This was
just the beginning of transformative experiences for Gary that came from
involvement in 20/20 Leadership. After
having the opportunity to learn more about the Kansas City metropolitan area
through the program, including politics on the local and state level, he was
sold on staying around.
Upon graduating from Wyandotte High School, Gary will
continue his education at Kansas City Kansas Community College. He is contemplating a variety of majors, but
his long-term goal is to major in speech theater education and return to the
high school that played a role in shaping him.
Through this goal, Gary aims to stay close to his community and produce
change from within. He is also inspired
by the notion of setting an example for future students at his alma mater. “There are not many teachers of color and I
want to help change that,” he said.
continue his education at Kansas City Kansas Community College. He is contemplating a variety of majors, but
his long-term goal is to major in speech theater education and return to the
high school that played a role in shaping him.
Through this goal, Gary aims to stay close to his community and produce
change from within. He is also inspired
by the notion of setting an example for future students at his alma mater. “There are not many teachers of color and I
want to help change that,” he said.
Gary can look to the Kansas City Royals for a lesson in what
can be achieved with patience and dedication.
Just as the champions experienced setbacks before their World Series
appearance in 2014 and eventual win in 2015, Gary believes that his personal
homerun came after being named a Royals All-Star Scholar. “I was determined to win that scholarship and
I did whatever I had to do to earn it.”
can be achieved with patience and dedication.
Just as the champions experienced setbacks before their World Series
appearance in 2014 and eventual win in 2015, Gary believes that his personal
homerun came after being named a Royals All-Star Scholar. “I was determined to win that scholarship and
I did whatever I had to do to earn it.”
The KC Royals scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from the Kansas City Royals and Royals Charities. Participants in 20/20 Leadership are eligible to apply for the scholarship.