Marshals and Cheermeister for 2024 Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade Announced

Downtown Topeka and The Greater Topeka Partnership are excited to announce names of the Topekans who will serve as Grand Marshal, Honorary Grand Marshal, Junior Grand Marshal, and Cheermeister in this year’s Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade coming up Dec. 7.

The 2024 Grand Marshal will be new Topeka City Manager Dr. Robert Perez, who has quickly become acquainted with the community during his first several months on the job. He was nominated for setting a new tone within the City of Topeka and for offering exciting visions for projects across the city. 

Honorary Grand Marshal will be Topekan Jeanne Hanks, who was nominated by her daughter. Fourteen years ago, Hanks was diagnosed with the neurological disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Her daughter wrote that despite the diagnosis, Hanks gives life all she has, for everyone she loves: “She struggles daily to just walk in her own home, but she proves herself time and time again. … She just recently walked down the aisle at my brother’s wedding!”

Junior Grand Marshal, meanwhile, is chosen from a local high school, representing grades 9-12, and Cheermeister, new this year, is the parade’s youngest honorary, chosen from grades 1-8. The 2024 Junior Grand Marshal is Topeka High School senior Lillian Krohe, a highly involved young thespian who has been part of 18 productions between school and community theatre. Krohe has received the TPAC Young Artist Award in Musical Theatre (2024), been honored with Outstanding Volunteer Recognition for her work with Helen Hocker (2024), and is known for giving back to her community in any way she can. At school, she can also be seen on the THS Morning Report, singing in school choirs, and working on the yearbook.

The parade’s inaugural Cheermeister is Brooklyn Morrison, a fourth grader at Berryton Elementary School. Morrison’s 10 years of life have been filled with medical difficulties and hardship, but as her nominator writes, “Brooklyn never lets that define her or bring her spirits down.” The winter holidays mark Morrison’s favorite season, and she is often known as “Miss Christmas” among family and friends.

“We couldn’t be more excited to honor these incredible individuals who are making their mark in the Topeka area,” said John Koop, VP of experiences and engagement for the Greater Topeka Partnership. “From our first-ever Cheermeister to the new city manager, all four honorees have impactful stories we hope offer joy and inspiration this holiday season.” 

The Partnership and Downtown Topeka invite community members and visitors to join the honorees downtown on Dec. 7 for the 29th annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade. The parade is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m., following the Mayor’s Christmas Tree lighting at Evergy Plaza. At 4 p.m. that day, inflatables, food trucks, carolers, and family-friendly activities will grace Kansas Avenue between 6th and 7th streets, setting the tone for an evening of cheer.