The Rotary Club of Shawnee Mission Inducts Andre Carnegie as a Paul Harris Fellow

The Rotary Club of Shawnee Mission inducted Andre Carnegie as a Paul Harris Fellow.  This is the highest award presented by this Rotary club, given to individuals in the community who are committed to serving others in a manner above and beyond expectations.

Coach Dre, as he is called by students, worked directly in partnership with the Rotary Club of Shawnee Mission to provide a “One Stop Shop” at Shawnee Mission North High School.  

Several years ago, Coach Dre helped develop this student store, which is open to all students and provides food and school supplies. The store also provides a career closet resource for students who may need something to wear to an interview or other professional setting. 

The Shawnee Mission Rotary worked with Coach Dre to help stock food, snacks and supplies in the “One Stop Shop.”  The club has supported the One Stop Shop through bi-weekly donations of food from a requested list prepared by Carnegie. 

Last year, the club partnered with an alumni class from SM North to renovate the store to provide a space more conducive to mentoring students. The concept was outlined by Carnegie and designed and executed by club members.

Coach Dre’s responsibilities have expanded from serving SM North to the entire school district.

“He now uses a portion of the supplies and snacks for students throughout the district, making the partnership even stronger with the club,” Wayne C. London, President Elect, Rotary Club of Shawnee Mission said.

“I have the privilege of working with Coach Dre on a daily basis,”Dr. John McKinney, director of family and student services said.  “I am consistently impressed with his ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with each and every student. Coach Dre meets them where they are, learns where they want to be and then does everything he can to help them get there.  He genuinely cares about the success of the Shawnee Mission School District, and is tireless in his efforts to help students, families and staff members be successful.”

Coach Dre provides support for principals and counselors across the district as a student success liaison. He also facilitates mentoring programs for students and mentors students as they prepare for the future, leads clubs that help students develop professional skills, and develops community partnerships. He also helped lead efforts at Shawnee Mission North to open a coffee shop in partnership with the Roasterie.

“I am so thankful that I have the privilege of working with the students in the Shawnee Mission School District,” Coach Dre said. “We are all one team and I am very grateful for this award and recognition. Thanks goes to the Rotary for expanding their reach to include the entire district. They are truly going above and beyond to help our students.”