2025 Peter John Loux Award Winner: Heidi Burke

2025 Peter John Loux Award Winner: Heidi Burke

The 2025 Peter John Loux Award winner is Heidi Burke of Shawnee, Kansas.

Heidi is a congenital, quadrilateral amputee who uses a power wheelchair and prosthetics. According to her nominators, what makes Heidi exceptional is her spirit. She approaches life with humor, determination, and a strong sense of independence.

Heidi is a Junior at Southern Adventist University in Tennessee, studying to be a high school history teacher. She works as a Student Senator, a teaching assistant for the History and Political Studies Department, and as president of the Student Advocates for Disabilities branch at her university. She hopes to create meaningful and sustainable changes on campus where all students have an equal opportunity to participate and thrive.

Heidi has a variety of work experiences, including private tutor, teaching assistant, librarian, receptionist, and cashier. She lives independently and drives herself with the use of adaptive driving equipment in her vehicle, including leg extensions and modified steering controls.

According to her case manager, Heidi’s courage, optimism, and drive are extraordinary. She embodies the spirit of perseverance that the Peter John Loux Award seeks to honor.

Congrats, Heidi!

About the Award:

The Peter John Loux Award is an endowed gift established by the late R.C. “Pete” Loux in memory of his son, Peter John, who was fatally injured in an auto accident. Pete Loux was a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities, using his influence as minority leader of the Kansas House of Representatives to help Center Industries Corporation, the nation’s first manufacturing facility to provide competitive employment for people with disabilities, secure its 1975 inaugural contract to produce Kansas license plates (a contract CIC still holds). Mr. Loux also served on the CPRF Board of Directors from 1972-2004.

Any Kansas resident 18 years of age or older with a congenital or acquired physical or neurological disability may be nominated by another person or apply on their own behalf. Each Peter John Loux Award winner receives $1,000 and a commemorative plaque.

It is with great honor that CPRF administers this award on behalf of Mr. Loux in memory of Peter John.