2026 Partners in Education Award

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 2026, the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation recognized Mark & Cathy Wansing of Midwest BBQ Equipment as our outstanding Partners in Education. Mark and Cathy were celebrated and recognized for their contributions at the Foundation’s annual Taste of Ray-Pec event held in April.

Mark & Cathy Wansing of Midwest BBQ Equipment Company

Midwest BBQ was founded in 2002 with a simple mission: to sell and service Southern Pride commercial barbeque smokers for restaurants, grocery stores, and large event venues throughout western Missouri and Kansas. Over the last 24 years, that company has grown tremendously, selling around 10,000 smokers across Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

But what makes Midwest BBQ truly special is not just the success of the business — it’s the people behind it.

Mark and Cathy have built their company around service. Not only do they provide equipment, but they have also spent years making themselves available to customers who need maintenance, support, and care. In 2013, they expanded their business even further by adding a catering division, bringing people together with great food for weddings, corporate lunches, tailgates, family gatherings, and other special occasions.

And for the Ray-Pec community, that catering business became much more than just food. It became another way for Mark and Cathy to serve.

For more than twenty years, Mark and Cathy have been loyal volunteers, donors, and sponsors of the Ray-Pec School District. Long after their own children graduated, they continue to show up for students, staff, and families. They have provided meals not only for our event the last several years, but for tailgates, activity banquets, team dinners, teacher and staff appreciation events, and countless community gatherings. They’ve also used some of these occasions to teach real life skills of cooking, food preparation, catering presentations, and more.

Most of us see, and enjoy, the finished product — the meal, the event, the smiling faces. But what we do not always see are the hours of planning, preparing, and cooking that happen behind the scenes. Mark and Cathy do not do this for recognition. They do it because they care deeply about this district and believe in the power of a strong, connected community.

Their service to our district goes far beyond their business. Cathy has dedicated countless years to local organizations, serving on the PTA and as President for Peculiar Elementary and Ray-Pec South Middle School for many years. She has also served on our Foundation Board, the Ray-Pec Citizens Advisory Council, Caring Hearts of Peculiar, Allied Food Club, and the Peculiar Chamber of Commerce.

Mark has also given generously of his time through the Cass County Elks Lodge, the Peculiar Chamber of Commerce, and Allied Food Club. He previously served as an alderman for the City of Peculiar and contributed through the Planning and Zoning and Parks and Recreation boards.

Together, Mark and Cathy represent the very best of what community leadership looks like: people who quietly work behind the scenes, who give generously of their time and talents, and who continue to serve long after they are asked.

Please join us in thanking and recognizing Mark and Cathy Wansing of Midwest BBQ Equipment as our newest Partners in Education!