2024 Partners in Education Awards

Each year, the Foundation Board proudly selects individuals, organizations, or businesses that have distinguished themselves through exceptional service to the school district, the Foundation, or the community at large. The Partner in Education Awards honor those whose commitment and generosity make a lasting impact on Ray-Pec students and schools.

In 2024, the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation recognized three outstanding Partners in Education: Brite Carwash, Pam Jenkins Hatcher, and Phil Parke. These honorees were celebrated and recognized for their contributions at the Foundation’s annual Taste of Ray-Pec event held in April.

Brite Carwash

Brite Carwash, located at 110 Starlight Dr., Belton. Brite Carwash was established in early 2019 in Belton and immediately launched its community engagement in Raymore, Peculiar, and Belton. The business has been heavily involved in the community, with a specific aim to improve the lives of the children around them. 

With this goal in mind, they began allocating their time and resources to countless causes such as sponsoring little league sports teams; distributing candy & raffle prizes at city events; and regularly contributing to local backpack programs, school pantries, and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree fund.

They are always happy and willing to donate their time and resources to any cause when asked, and are excited to continue contributing to the community.

Pam Jenkins Hatcher

Pam has been an active supporter of the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation, as well as many other local organizations.

Pam grew up in Belton and graduated from Belton High School. She started her real estate career at Sprint and became the Director of Real Estate. She is now the owner and broker of Integrity Group Real Estate in Raymore.

Today, Pam not only works with residential sellers and buyers but is active again in the commercial real estate industry with commercial clients, investors, land and multi-family sales.

In the seven years since leaving her corporate job, she has built a real estate brokerage, a property management company, a residential rental portfolio including flipping many of the properties herself, and a commercial rental portfolio. She is also realizing her goal of becoming a developer, and is currently developing a multi-use building in downtown Lee’s Summit.

She and her husband of 32 years, Tom, live in Raymore on the generational farm that they are building with their children and grandchildren. 

Phil Parke

To say that Phil has been instrumental in the Foundation's growth is an understatement. He served on the Foundation Board from 2006 to 2021 and was its President from 2013 to 2021.

Phil grew up in Indiana and graduated from Olivet Nazarene University. After college, he worked for Tektronix and Network Elements. In 2002, he accepted a position as financial advisor with Edward Jones, and is currently a financial advisor in Raymore.

Phil joined the Foundation board in the fall of 2006 and became president in July of 2013. During his tenure as president, the foundation expanded the board, hired an executive director, began managing the Caring About Nutrition program, partnered with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization, established the Ray-Pec CARES program, and became part of the You Matter Ray-Pec initiative. 

He stepped down from the Foundation board in June of 2021. He said he enjoyed working with board members, administrators, teachers, and community members during his time on the board.

Phil and his wife of 33 years, Joy, have four grown children – and four grandchildren, with one on the way.