Dot Proud awards honor Alpha Kappa Alpha and Friends of KCK Animal Services

The Unified Government hosted a Dot Proud awards ceremony before the commission meeting to recognize residents and organizations making ‘‘measurable difference’’ in Wyandotte County. Ashley Reyes, administrative coordinator in the mayor’s office, introduced the nominees and explained the awards celebrate residents, businesses and partners who invest in the community.

"Every community has a story. In Wyandotte County, that story is written by the people in this room," Ashley Reyes said as she introduced the Alpha Kappa Alpha Mu Omega chapter and the Friends of KCK Animal Services as the cycle's honorees. Representatives from Alpha Kappa Alpha spoke about scholarships and senior programming; Susan Kaufman, chair of Friends of KCK Animal Services, described grant work, fostering and on‑site veterinary clinic plans that supplement municipal shelter services and increase adoption capacity.

Mayor Crystal E. Watson praised the honorees and invited attendees to a reception for pinning and photos in the lobby. The recognition highlighted long‑standing volunteer work and nonprofit partnerships that support local schools, senior centers and animal welfare in Wyandotte County.