PediPlace Board Chair-Elect Kevin Rogers Reflects on What He's Thankful For This Holiday Season

Jeff Brannen, Board Chair, did a great job describing PediPlace’s growth throughout the years in last month’s blog. As Thanksgiving approaches, I believe we have so much to be thankful for! For me, the holidays create a great time for reflection. When I think back, I fondly remember wonderful times spent with a large extended family over-eating delicious Thanksgiving dinners, watching the Dallas Cowboys’ Turkey Day games, playing lots of cards, and catching up on news. I sincerely hope you are as thankful as I am for all that has been given us.

As I reflect:

·        I am thankful for Bridget, my beautiful wife of 30 years and sons, Shane and Matt.

·        I am thankful for family and friends who have supported me over the years. 

·        I am thankful for a great job. As a 28 year veteran of Lewisville ISD, I now have the opportunity to serve as the Chief Operating Officer.  As an educator, it is important to put students’ needs first. 

·        I am thankful that my job allows me to serve students and provide them opportunities to prepare them for their future. I am thankful and proud of the incredible academic, athletic, fine arts, career readiness, counseling, and technology programs we provide.

·        I am thankful for the students, parents, staff, and communities that LISD serves.   

As I reflect on my good fortune, I must also be aware that others are not as fortunate. They may have family problems, not have a great job or be able to provide all of the needs for their family.

That’s why:

·        I am thankful that five years ago I was asked to serve on the board of directors for PediPlace. This is a place where its mission of making healthcare a reality for every kid occurs daily.

·        I am thankful for PediPlace’s dedicated health providers and staff that work tirelessly to help children.

·        I am thankful PediPlace continues to serve nearly 100 children each day at our Lewisville clinic and is expanding to North Dallas to serve more children.

·        I am thankful for the countless volunteers and community members that donate their time and money to PediPlace and other charitable organizations.

·        I am thankful that I live in a country where so many charitable organizations like PediPlace are willing to serve those less fortunate.  

This November, as we reflect on the terrible tragedy 50 years ago with the death of President John F. Kennedy, let us remember his quote “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

I hope you reflect on what you are thankful for. I sincerely hope you and your family have a blessed holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving!


Kevin Rogers, Ed.D.
PediPlace Board Chair-Elect