On February 19th, friends and family gathered at Mission Hills Country Club for a delightful evening honoring The Independent’s Top Ten winners and 2026 Rising Stars. The celebration was filled with fun and recognition for an extraordinary group of individuals.
Our honorees and Rising Stars represent the very best and brightest making a lasting impact in Kansas City. The evening was made even more special by the beautiful flowers from Craig Sole, which added an elegant touch to the festivities. Congratulations to all!
For photo booth photos from Tom Styrkowicz please click here.
2026 Class of Rising Stars: Willy Pegues, Taylor Smith, Elizabeth Wheeler, Tahir Atwater, and Luis PadillaChris Kruse, Elizabeth Wheeler, 2026 Class of Rising Stars; Tatiana Briceño, and Luis Padilla, 2026 Class of Rising Stars 2026 Rising Star Tahir and Beth Atwater Jim and Diana Cusser, Taylor Smith, 2026 Class of Rising Stars; and Peggy and Andy Beal Tiffany Stuck, Erica Ostroski, Tahir Atwater, 2026 Class of Rising Stars; Laura Palacios, and Luis Padilla, 2026 Class of Rising Stars Dan Cranshaw, Emily Buckley, and Henry Wash Brittany Davis, Tahir Atwater, 2026 Class of Rising Stars; and Hannah Neel (Front row) Diana Cusser, Kimberlee Ried, Taylor Smith, 2026 Class of Rising Stars; Nicholette Haigler, and Donna Thomason (back row) Peggy Beal, Jim Cusser, Sidonie Garrett, Nicole Browne, and Andy BealKiana Brown and Kara Kahn Kaylee Hansen, Jordan Cronan, Kara Lemmer, and Riley Jimenez Stephanie Moore, Elizabeth Wheeler, 2026 Class of Rising Stars; Elizabeth Cromwell, Julie Headrick, and Mollie PorterAlessandra Graber and Denton Williams Beth Chappelow and Lia Wilson India Williams, Rachel Falcon, and Gene Willis Kayla Smith, Sarah Vizzachero, and Ronnie Doumitt Hathaway Maranda and Kyle Gabrielson Robyn Ratcliff, Hunter Witt, and Denise Wiese Nancy Wilkerson and Lisa Connor Sarah Howard, Vicki Milano, Caroline Barber, and Brenda Vreeke Connor and Amy Kagy Kaylee Hansen, Erica Ostroski, Hannah Neel, Jordan Cronan, Brittany Davis, and Riley JimenezAnn Spivak and Chris HarrisMaxx Pittone, Mike Jeffries, and Madeline LongMary Ann Powell and Allison MullerErin McNamara and Jennifer MataSusan Belger Angulo, Kristal Ronnebaum, and Elizabeth MayerJohn MacDonald, Tracy MacDonald, Kevin Timmons, Jen Timmons, and Dylan QueenNancy Wilkerson, Monsignor Stuart Swetland, and Emily Buckley
Featured in the March 7, 2026 issue of The Independent Photo credit: David Riffel
