Six of Kansas City’s finest teachers and one outstanding student took to the Sporting KC pitch on Sunday, Oct. 15—not as athletes, but certainly as winners.
Mindy Beashore, Larry Benson, Robyn Bryson, Rick Pribyl, Kristi Rivera and Derrik Wiggins—the 2017 class of Blue KC Sporting Samaritans—were honored at halftime of Sporting’s bout with the Houston Dynamo for their positive efforts to make Kansas City a “better place to live, work and play” through education.
A joint effort between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and Sporting KC, the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program recognizes teachers and students from the Kansas City area who are making a positive impact at their schools through a variety of ways: being a catalyst for a cause that enriches the lives of others, exhibiting selflessness and dedication, going above and beyond to serve or inspire others, or simply making a significant difference in the lives of individuals, families or the community.
Prior to the game, Blue KC and Sporting KC hosted a reception and dinner at Children’s Mercy Park for the six honorees and their guests. Blue KC’s Department Vice President of Marketing and Communications Christina Lively, who oversees the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program as part of the company’s efforts to recognize Kansas City’s hometown heroes, thanked the group and congratulated them on their recognition.
“The Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program focuses on exceptional teachers and students who have demonstrated leadership, commitment and dedication and whose work has made positive change on thousands of students and families in our community,” said Lively. “On behalf of Blue KC and the team thank you for your collective work across our community.”
To round out the 2017 Blue KC Sporting Samaritan season, program spokesperson and Sporting KC all-star Matt Besler will visit two of the honorees’ schools to encourage students to follow the example of their Blue KC Sporting Samaritan, and make KC a better place to live, work and play.
Read more about each of the 2017 honorees at sportingkc.com/bluekc.
