Rogers Foundation to Honor Three on January 29

The Rogers Public Education Foundation will recognize three individuals for their career and district contributions.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Awards

Gouache-painted illustration of a brass laurel trophy, a blank book, and a wooden apple on a polished mahogany surface, evoking academic achievement. — The Rogers Public Education Foundation will honor Jim White, Ryan Ewing, and the late Mark Kruger at a ceremony on January 29. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Rogers Public Education Foundation is set to host a ceremony on January 29, 2027, to celebrate three notable local figures. Honorees include Jim White, Ryan Ewing, and the late Mark Kruger.

Why it matters

This recognition program highlights individuals who have made lasting impacts on the local school district through their professional service and career achievements. It also serves as a fundraising effort for teacher grants and educational initiatives.

The honorees include Jim White, who served the Rogers School District for over 30 years, and Mark Kruger, who dedicated 35 years to the Rogers City Council. Ryan Ewing, a 1994 graduate of Rogers High School, rounds out the selections for his work with NASA.

The players

Jim White

He is a former teacher, coach, and administrator who served as the Rogers School District chief operating officer beginning in 2013.

Ryan Ewing

He is a space industry professional who contributes to NASA missions including Curiosity and Artemis II.

Mark Kruger

He was a long-term Rogers City Council member and former assistant principal at Rogers High School.

Rogers Public Education Foundation

This organization raises money for teacher grants and local educational programs.

The details

Jim White and Ryan Ewing will be inducted into the Wall of Distinction, while the late Mark Kruger will receive the Legacy Award. The foundation uses this annual event to generate financial support for teacher grants and academic programs.

Jim White began his professional career in 1980.
Mark Kruger was first elected to the Rogers City Council in 1988.
Ryan Ewing graduated from Rogers High School in 1994.
Mark Kruger passed away in 2023.
The recognition ceremony will take place on January 29, 2027.

Culture Shift

The Wall of Distinction serves as the foundation's primary mechanism for recognizing alumni and educators, mirroring similar community-based academic honor programs. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on celebrating local institutional legacies within the community.

Residents can support the school district's educational initiatives by attending the foundation's fundraising events. The ceremony directly highlights the historical contributions made by local figures to the public school system.

The takeaway

Recognizing long-term contributors helps preserve the history of local educational institutions for future generations. Citizens can contribute to these academic goals by participating in district-sponsored community programs.