The Pando Initiative

We are so grateful for the generosity of Empty Bowls Wichita and their incredible support of students and families. 💚
This $15,000 gift helps The Pando Initiative continue addressing youth hunger and supporting basic needs through our school site programs. It also strengthens efforts to make food more accessible for all, including our community fridge and pantry initiatives that help meet needs with dignity and care.
Thank you to everyone who supports Empty Bowls Wichita and helps make gifts like this possible. This is .

$15,000 for youth in our community. 💚 🍜

We’re proud to share $15,000 with The Pando Initiative to help address youth hunger and feed the future right here in Wichita.

It’s - every year they empower 50,000 Kansas students through their school site programs and commitment to supporting basic student and family needs.

Pictured L to R: Tom Wilcox, Sandra Sanchez, Niki Childers, Kenya McConico & Gary Meitler representing The Pando Initiative and Shawn Chastain, Sonia Greteman & Brenda Lichman representing Empty Bowls Wichita.

Learn more about how your support makes a difference at emptybowlswichita.org and be sure to check out the incredible work Pando is doing at pandoinitiative.org

Check it out! 💚

Headed to the 2026 USA|Kansas Uniting Leaders Conference? Make sure you swing by the Reality U booth! Thank you Hutton for inviting us to share a booth.

Come say hello, meet the team, and take the Reality U Challenge. A fun, interactive experience that puts your real-world decision-making skills to the test. Think you can balance life, career, finances, and the unexpected? There’s only one way to find out!

And don’t miss our very own Dr. Patrick Sehl presenting "Reality U: A Hands-On Path to Career and Life Readiness" Thursday morning at 8:00 AM in Room Cherry 202B! Be sure to grab a seat early and join the conversation.

Stop by the booth.

Take the challenge.

Connect with the Reality U team.

We can’t wait to see you there!

⭐ To round out our 2026 STAR Student celebrations, it’s time to recognize our Wichita Public Schools High School STAR Students! 💚⭐

This year, we’ve had the honor of celebrating 60 incredible STAR Students from 30 Pando schools. Each one has inspired us through their leadership, perseverance, kindness, growth, and the positive impact they make in their schools and communities every single day.

Through Pando NextGen, these students are preparing for life after high school, building confidence, and creating bright futures for themselves and those around them.

🏫 Wichita High School North USD 259
Sponsored by US Logo, Inc.
STAR Students: Ayeleen & Scarlett

🏫 Wichita Southeast High School
Sponsored by Phil & Judy Frick
STAR Students: Naryiah & Kei’Arie

🏫 Wichita West High
Sponsored by ReeceNichols South Central Kansas
STAR Students: Brianna & Abraham