Junior League of Topeka Announces Kim and Fred Patton as Recipients of the 2026 Community Volunteer Award
The Junior League of Topeka is proud to announce Kim and Fred Patton as the 2026 recipients of the Community Volunteer Award. The Community Volunteer Award is awarded annually to outstanding volunteers in our community. Award Winners are given the opportunity to designate a donation to their charity, or charities, of choice from the Junior League of Topeka in their name. These individuals have given selflessly of their time, hard work, and acts of kindness to our community and deserve to be recognized.
Kim Patton is a dedicated educator and community volunteer who has spent nearly two decades serving students and families in the Seaman school district. She currently works as the school librarian at North Fairview Elementary School, where she has been for 17 years. Kim is deeply committed to her community and has held numerous leadership and volunteer roles over the years. She currently serves on the boards of the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and Ballet Midwest, and previously served as a board member and chair for the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Foundation. Her past service also includes board involvement with the March of Dimes, leadership roles in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and active participation in organizations such as the Kansas Association of School Librarians and the Kansas Reading Association.
Fred Patton is deeply committed to strengthening the community he calls home. He currently serves as President of Ballet Midwest, Treasurer of the Seaman Alumni Association, and as a board member for the Topeka Performing Arts Center and the Seaman Educational Advantage Foundation. He also serves as an appointed trustee for the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. Fred recently concluded nearly 15 years on the board of the Topeka Zoo, including 11 years as president. From 2003 to 2021, Fred served on the Seaman USD 345 Board of Education. He later represented the 50th District in the Kansas House of Representatives from 2014 to 2023. Professionally, Fred is the owner of Patton Law Office, LLC and Topeka Escrow Service, LLC, and he also provides government affairs services with Harris Kelsey, Chartered.
Both Washburn University alumni, Kim and Fred share a deep dedication to the local area, with Fred being especially passionate about helping make the community a vibrant and welcoming place for young families.
