KC Reporter

Annette Luke, a recently retired teacher from Thomas Ultican Elementary School in Blue Springs, Missouri, has been named the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan for August. Luke spent 31 years teaching second through fifth grade and officially retired last month after an 18-year tenure at the school.

Reflecting on her career, Luke said, “The best part about teaching at Thomas Ultican is that we are like one, big family. The students and staff care about and support each other. We also involved the parents and community members in many activities and events as frequently as we could.”

Luke emphasized the importance of building relationships with students and their families. She noted that she made it a priority to call each family early in the school year to foster communication and understanding. “It would be very difficult to pick just one proud moment because I have had so many in my 31 years of teaching,” said Luke. “However, my favorites are when I see my students finally succeed at the goals they were working to achieve. I also enjoy seeing the proud looks on their faces and the excitement when they see me on the sidelines of their sports activities or in the audience at their performances.”

She advised her students to persevere through challenges: “I advise my students to never give up, even when it’s hard,” said Luke. “Always try your best and be willing to ask for help. Hard work and perseverance will help you achieve any and all of your personal goals.”

Throughout her career, Luke adapted her teaching methods to meet changing needs but remained focused on supporting her students’ growth. “I always try to make each student feel valued and respected,” said Luke. “I take the time to get to know my students, and then I emphasize their strengths. I celebrate each student’s unique talents and then, if given permission, attend their activities outside of the school day. I want them to know that they are important no matter who they are or what they are interested in.”

Luke plans to continue serving the Kansas City community through volunteer work with local organizations now that she is retired.

Colleagues praised her dedication both inside and outside of school hours. Alison Longwell stated, “Ms. Luke is the embodiment of a team player. She is at every single school event and volunteers to be the face of our school within our community. Her love for our school is only outdone by her love for our students. It is very common for Ms. Luke to tutor a student after school and then rush out to see another student play at a sporting event or perform in a dance recital. She is so well-loved in our community and beyond.”

Eden Tolliver added, “I have been blessed to teach alongside her for my first-year teaching and her last… She is positive, hard-working, trustworthy, driven, kind, funny, and loves others loudly. She is the kind of teacher that I can only hope I will be one day…”

Jenny Housley from Blue KC commented on Luke’s impact: “A remarkable individual who has poured her heart and soul into educating our children for the past three decades, we congratulate Annette on an incredible career… Her uplifting, kind-hearted, and energetic personality has benefitted hundreds of students and will continue to impact the local community in the years to come…”

Luke expressed gratitude for being able to support students throughout her career: “I loved being a positive influence in my student’s lives and getting to know their families… I want them to know I’m always there to support them.”

The Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program recognizes teachers like Annette Luke who make significant contributions within Kansas City schools https://www.BlueKC.com/NominateSportingSamaritans . The initiative honors both teachers and students who inspire others through their actions.