Laura Cano who is the Director of Federal Programs for USD 480 was informed by the Executive Director of the Kansas Head Start Association Mary Baskett that she has been selected as a 2010 State Children’s Champion for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of the young Kansas children. Past Kansas champions are Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Dwayne Umbarger.

Cano will receive the award on May 25 in Kansas City by the Region VII Head Start Association, which represents Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Cano said that it is an award that is deserved by the entire preschool team. She added that Vicki Adams and Diane Hensley are a big part of that team.

Superintendent Vernon Welch announced that Cano had been selected for this award at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. The announcement of the award resulted in an ovation by the board and other administrators.