Advertisement
For more than fifty years, one humble, deeply loving man has quietly shaped the future of Lawrence — one child at a time. Coach, mentor, driver, disciplinarian, champion. For thousands of young people, this year’s honoree was the person who believed in them most — and never stopped.The Lawrence History Center Board of Directors proudly present
Steve Kelley
Recipient of the
2026 Eartha Dengler History Award
“Just a Kid from Lawrence”
You can’t tell the story of Lawrence without Steve Kelley.
Born and raised here, Steve has spent his life proving that there are no better kids than Lawrence kids. A graduate of Central Catholic and a lifelong leader at the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club, he has dedicated more than five decades to helping young people discover what they can become. He built a culture where academics, athletics, discipline, and self-belief opened doors that many once thought were closed.
Steve never gave up on a child. To parents he would say, “We will find a way.” To teachers, “Teach them like they are your own — otherwise you’re cheating them.” He drove carloads of kids to the Club, washed floors before dawn, and created an environment where young people began to believe: If he can do it, I can do it.
Over the decades, he helped young people attend prep schools and college, shifting the mindset from “if you go to college” to “when you go to college.” There are many who can and do say, “Were it not for Steve Kelley I would not be who I am today.
I might not even be standing here talking with you.”
At the Club, the kids call him “The Ancient One.” Through generations, he has
always been there — demanding, encouraging, and fiercely believing in them.
And if you ask him, he’ll tell you he always will be.
Join us as we celebrate Steve Kelley — and the extraordinary
legacy he has built through the lives of Lawrence youth!
For more information, to Purchase Ticket(s) and/or Sponsor the Event, please visit https://lawrencehistory.org/dengler/2026/
Advertisement
Event Venue
Central Catholic High School, Lawrence, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
