Last Friday, February 20th, was a truly special day for the 2nd-grade students in Mrs. Ebbert’s class at Explorer Elementary School. USD 265 was honored to welcome Mayor Lily Wu from the City of Wichita to Explorer, a visit filled with inspiration, smiles, and big dreams.
Mayor Wu read Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss, a book that encourages young readers to dream big and believe in themselves. The students listened intently as each colorful page turned and then eagerly shared their own hopes for the future. But the magic didn’t stop there.
Afterwards, Mayor Wu spent meaningful time answering students’ thoughtful questions before asking them what they want to be when they grow up. Their answers were powerful: some want to be beekeepers, teachers, helpers, police officers, people who care for others, and, one student said they want to be mayor, just like her.
Mayor Wu then shared her own story. One of courage and perseverance. She spoke about her family’s journey immigrating to the United States more than 30 years ago, arriving with hopes and dreams just like the students she now stood before. From the time she was a little girl who wanted to be a reporter (a dream she began pursuing at age 8) to fulfilling that dream in her 20s and 30s, to discovering a deeper desire to serve and give back to her community. Her story is an inspiration for us all.
Today, she serves as the first woman elected to a full term as Mayor of Wichita and the first mayor of Asian descent in the state of Kansas. Explorer Elementary sits right along Wichita’s western border. A significant number of students in Goddard Public Schools students and families are residents of the City of Wichita, reflecting the close ties between our communities and the places families call home.
And as if that wasn’t a wonderful circle of connection already, Mrs. Ebbert surprised Mayor Wu with a walk down memory lane. It turns out the two go way back. They were featured in a catalog together for the iconic 1990s retailer ALCO! The classroom erupted with excitement when Mrs. Ebbert pulled out an old advertisement catalog that showed the two of them in matching outfits, side-by-side.
From Seuss to selfies, from Wichita roots to big dreams, today reminded us that imagination, courage, and kindness can shape a lifetime…and maybe even a community. Oh, the places these students will go!
Mayor Wu will be hosting a “State of the City” address from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8th, 2026 at Century II Convention Hall in downtown Wichita. Residents of Wichita and the surrounding are welcome to join for this event.
