Jon Cook (CHS Class of 1989) is a successful advertising executive, a devoted father and husband, a recipient of the Center Education Foundation's Distinguished Alumni Award and a strong supporter of the Center School District. Alumni like Jon are an important part of the Center family.  The traditions and history of Center are a unique part of Yellowjacket life today.  

Jon is the CEO of the Kansas City based global advertising firm VMLY&R. A number of other Center alumni also work for VMLY&R and they have generously provided support to Center in a variety of ways. They worked with the District to produce a series of videos by students, parents and teachers about why they chose to be part of the Center community (click images to view).  VMLY&R staff have also mentored members of the Center High School video production class, taught by Steve Parker, as they produced a series of videos telling the story of how Foundation grants impact our students and teachers.

Other Center Alumni also stay connected with the District through their work as Foundation Board members (Alan Farris, Lisa Hardwick, Ted Beckett, Aaron Racine, Selina Rios, Reggie Stockman, Rick Sanford, and John Parker). Many alumni sponsor and attend the annual Autos & Auctions event to raise the funds that support our grants to teachers. We are proud to recognize outstanding alumni through the annual presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Class groups like the Classes of  1957-59, 1968, 1972, 1986, and 1988 have made generous donations from their reunions to support the work of the Foundation.

Thanks to all of our alumni for their part in making Center a very special community. We look forward to seeing you soon!