20 Under 40 class recognized

Twenty young Topeka leaders selected from about 100 applicants were honored Wednesday by the Jayhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts of America.

The council's 20 Under 40 event, now in its ninth year, recognizes people who demonstrate leadership that makes an impact in the community, while also raising funds for BSA's outreach programs.

Erin Aldridge, the council's development director, said each year's 20 Under 40 class undergoes a rigorous selection process that begins with grassroots nominations in April, which typically result in 230 nominees. Of those, about 100 apply and are evaluated by a selection committee of community leaders.

"What sets them apart is that at some point, they've taken some kind of risk, stepped out to do something no one else was willing to do," Aldridge said of each year's 20 honorees.

Matthew Bergmann, a member of the council's board of directors, told attendees that BSA works to instill through its programs values of good conduct, respect for others and honesty, which he said are the "foundation of tomorrow's leaders."

"Our celebration tonight is about recognizing leaders," he said. "One of the basic tenets of the Scouting program is to develop youth into future leaders. I cannot think of a better group of individuals to raise up as examples to our Scouts than those who are recognized through this honor tonight. You serve as outstanding role models to others."

Scouting parent and 2017 20 Under 40 honoree Ben Broxterman also spoke to attendees. He reflected on what being named to the 20 Under 40 class has meant to him in the past year.

"Ultimately, every one of you has been selected for this honor because you're already doing great things in our community," he said. "I really think that the true power of that comes with learning to think outside of ourselves and leverage what we're doing along with what others are capable of doing as well."

Broxterman, a child life services specialist at Stormont Vail Hospital, shared a personal story to illustrate that. A young boy being treated at the hospital was excited to attend the Bubble Guppies Live! show this past February in Topeka, then disappointed when he became too ill to see the show.

Broxterman said he reached out to his network and a fellow 20 Under 40 alumnus responded with a contact suggestion. Several people's combined efforts led to a group being able to present the sick child with Bubble Guppies toys and souvenirs from the show, as well as a poster signed by the characters. The boy died a few weeks later, Broxterman said, but a dozen people each played a small part in "making an incredible moment happen" for him and his family.

He said the story emphasized the power of connection, and he urged this year's 20 Under 40 class to "do good together."

"You're all here being honored for the great things you do, so imagine how much more you can accomplish going forward," Broxterman said.

2018 HONOREES

Brandon Aldridge, Brandon Aldridge State Farm Agency

Heather Calvert, Auburn Washburn USD 437

Pat Colley, SE2

Vincent Cox, Cavanaugh, Biggs & Lemon, P.A.

Connor England, entrepreneur

Lindsay Freeman, Advisors Excel

Ty Hysten, Valic Financial Advisors Inc.

Aaron Jones, City of Topeka

Kim Konecny, Westar Energy

Katie Koupal, AT&T

Misty Kruger, Topeka USD 501

Brooke Lennington, KSNT News

Chad Logan, Logan Business Machines

Niki Maloney, Stormont Vail Health

Adam Rosdahl, Norsemen Brewing Co.

Michaela Saunders, community advocate

Amber Stroud, Department of Veterans Affairs

Adam VanDonge, The White Linen

Laura Vaughn, Pediatric Smiles

Lonnie Walker Jr., FHLBank Topeka