Honors

Over the years when the original Paseo High School was vibrant, many students have gone on to be honored for their contribution to our society. Here are but a few that have come to the attention of the Paseo Alliance. 
Jack Arden Davenport, Medal of Honor Recipient
Jack Davenport was born September 7, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated from high school in 1949. While in high school, he was a newspaper carrier for the Kansas City Star and played American Legion baseball for three seasons. Upon completing high school, he studied for a year at the University of Kansas, where he was a member of the freshman football team.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 25, 1950, and completed his recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, that September. He was then stationed with the Training and Replacement Command at Camp Pendleton, California, until December 1950, when he embarked to join the 5th Marines in Korea.

In the early morning of September 21, 1951, Corporal Davenport sacrificed his life to save the life of a fellow Marine Priv. Robert W Smith in Korea. He was standing watch together with Priv. Smith when an enemy hand grenade landed in their foxhole. Without thought of his own safety, Davenport found the grenade in the dark and smothered its explosion with his own body in order to save the life of his fellow Marine.

His body was returned to the United States in January 1952 to be buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery, Hickman Mills, Missouri. Davenport's father, Fred received the Medal of Honor on January 7, 1953 from U.S. Secretary of the Navy Dan A. Kimball in Washington, D.C.

Medal of Honor Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Squad Leader in Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Songnae-Dong, Korea, early on the morning of 21 September 1951. While expertly directing the defense of his position during a probing attack by hostile forces attempting the infiltrate the area, Corporal Davenport, acting quickly when an enemy grenade fell into the foxhole which he was occupying with another Marine, skillfully located the deadly projectile in the dark and, undeterred by the personal risk involved, heroically threw himself over the live missile, thereby saving his companion from serious injury or possible death. His cool and resourceful leadership were contributing factors in the successful repulse of the enemy attack and his superb courage and admirable spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death enhance and sustain the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Corporal Davenport gallantly gave his life for his country.

The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest and most prestigious personal military decoration that may be awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. The medal is normally awarded by the President of the United States in the name of the U.S. Congress. Because the medal is presented "in the name of Congress", it is often referred to informally as the "Congressional Medal of Honor". However, the official name of the current award is "Medal of Honor"
Bill Ross, Paseo '53 inducted into Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
Along with 14 other Missouri sports notables, our own Bill Ross, Paseo 1953, was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield on February 11, 2006. Surrounded by family and friends, Bill paid tribute in his 5-minute presentation to those who had helped him achieve this great honor, citing his youth at Paseo, college career at Mizzou, and then his many coaching responsibilities that brought him to the great night in Springfield. The enshrinement of the 15 men and women was a first-class, sold-out affair with 1,500 people attending. 

 Congratulations, Bill. Another Pirate makes good!
Carolyn Holley Nichols '53 Recognized
Carolyn Holley Nichols, Paseo 1953, was honored in Jefferson on January 11, 2007. Carolyn, third from left in the photo, is the first hygienist to have had a current license for 50 years. Those pictured with her are dentists who also have been licensed for 50 years.

Carolyn was also presented with an “Outstanding Service Award” by the UMKC Dental Hygienist Alumni Association on March 16, 2007.

Her son, Joel, came back from Germany for the meeting at UMKC. He is a dentist who served more than a year in Iraq.
Mike Moore '57 Book Receives Awards
"Twilight War" by Mike Moore, Paseo 1957, is winner of a "Benjamin Franklin" in the category of politics/current events by Independent Book Publishers Assn.; and a silver "Ippy" (second place) in the category of science given by Independent Publisher, May 2009.

H&R Bloch to Award Barbara Bayley Herrin '56

The I.J. Mnookin National Award for Outstanding Community Service is to be awarded to:

Barbara Herrin, training developer - Tax Services Support, FSO - KC, for her dedication to the American Royal, one of Kansas Citys premier fall events; and the H&R Block Strength in Numbers team, where she helped organize a corporate blood drive, a Corporate Challenge tailgating event and the Art/Work Associate Art Exhibit.


"Herrin has volunteered for almost every event affiliated with the American Royal during September, October and November, when more than 250,000 people attend. She's helped with the event's parade, barbecue, poker tournament, horse shows and rodeos - and has even assisted with administrative work in the event's office. "


Henry Block will present Barbara a plaque in honor of her efforts at a luncheon on October 29th, 2009. In addition, the Foundation will award a $5,000 grant to one of her favorite non-profit organizations. Bloch CEO Russ Smyth will also participate in the event.



Jane Robertson & Warren Hanks Receive

Marion W. Vaughn Community Service Award

On September 26, 2021, the City of Bonner Springs honored Warren and Jane Hanks with the Marion W. Vaughn Community Service Award. This award says, "Presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and personal contribution to the progress and betterment of the City of Bonner Springs, Kansas, all exemplifying the life of Marion W. Vaughn, a truly unique individual whose love for the community and compassion for the people in it greatly surpassed the capabilities of any "ordinary" person." Jane graduated in 1960 from Paseo High School.

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