When Hendrick BMW of Kansas City South joined the Center Middle School partnership in 2019, Jhoda Edquist, General Manager, saw a unique opportunity to serve the school’s staff. The car dealership honors the CMS Teacher of the Month with the use of a BMW for a few days while they run a free diagnostic and provide repairs to the teacher’s vehicle. They also present a trophy to the Teacher of the Month and occasionally furnish food for the staff.

“The motivation came from the culture of giving back that Hendrick embodies,” said Mr. Edquist. “I had seen it at my original Hendrick store in Charlotte, NC, and wanted to bring it to Kansas City.”

Mr. Edquist also mentors a Center Friend and has reached out to him since school closed in the spring and lessons went online. “I’m excited to see him again,” he said.

Marqueita Marisette was one of 70 presenters at Center Middle’s Career Day held in March. She discussed her position in Guest Services at Hendrick BMW to several sessions of students as they rotated throughout the morning to hear from a variety of career professionals and had the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers.