Hilltop Child Development Center recently picked up some high praise from none other than Stacy Parkinson, first lady of Kansas.

Stacy Parkinson, first lady of Kansas, left, visits with Pat Pisani, executive director of Hilltop Child Development Center at Kansas University. Parkinson is standing in one of the center's six cubby

Among the notable items Parkinson noticed during a recent visit were six large concrete-block shelters that are worked into the school’s interior design. The shelters serve both as transition and storage areas — known as “cubby rooms,” for kids’ jackets and other personal items — and as steadfast storm shelters.

“The only better place on campus is the new parking building,” said Pat Pisani, executive director of the center at 1605 Irving Hill Road.

Another safety feature: Doors designed so that they cannot pinch a finger or toe or anything else when the close.

“This is phenomenal,” Parkinson said, who toured the school after reading a story to 4- and 5-year-olds as part of Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Week, for which she served as honorary chairwoman.

She also enjoyed peeking in on classes, admiring colorful artwork and sharing stories about the kids, their activities and their dreams.

“These schools are so much more fun to go to than the high schools,” she said.

The folks at Lawrence High and Free State may differ, but Parkinson doesn’t really need to worry about the political implications of her words for much longer. Her husband, Gov. Mark Parkinson, leaves office next month.

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Two students from Lawrence have gone on to be named Capitol Federal Savings Scholars in Emporia State University’s School of Business.

Among the 25 Emporia State students named as such scholars for this year are junior Mallory West and senior Olson Kilmer.

“We are proud to have provided these scholarships … knowing these students will use their knowledge and leadership skills to further the growth of their local community and the integrity of their business community,” said John C. Dicus, chairman emeritus for Topeka-based Capitol Federal.

Michael Lane, president of Emporia State, described the effort as “one of our most prestigious scholarship programs.”

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The Lawrence school district has scheduled its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Educational Event for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 in the auditorium at Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive.

Students from district schools school will share community service learning lessons, and choirs from Cordley School and West Junior High School choirs will perform.

Refreshments will follow, reports Julie Boyle, the district’s communications director.

— Know of something special happening in or coming to area schools? Let me know, at mfagan@ljworld.com.