Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky’s Chief Advocate for Civic Engagement, is seeking nominations for the 2013-2014 Kentucky Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award. The award recognizes teachers, school administrators, legislators and community leaders who have made notable contributions toward promoting or implementing civic learning to prepare students to be active and engaged in their communities.
“I am constantly inspired by young Kentuckians who exhibit the values, skills and enthusiasm that are the hallmarks of responsible citizens,” said Grimes. “I know that behind each of them is an unsung hero who invested his or her own talents and energy into the success of this state and its youth. This award is a great opportunity to recognize them for their outstanding work.”
One finalist will be selected from each Kentucky Sweet 16 region, and each finalist will receive a plaque and be recognized during the KHSAA Men’s Basketball Sweet 16 Tournament. The winner will receive a $500 prize to be used for resources or equipment for his or her school or civic organization.
The Award is part of Grimes’ ongoing efforts to improve civic engagement in Kentucky. In 2012 and 2013, Grimes conducted a statewide series of 15 roundtables at Kentucky colleges and universities to discuss ways to improve Kentucky’s overall civic health. At the conclusion of the yearlong initiative, she released the 2013 Kentucky Civic Health Assessment, which summarizes the topics and solutions discussed during the forums.
“The Civic Health Initiative got people around the state talking about how we can create an informed, engaged citizenry,” said Grimes. “The nominees for this Award are already walking the walk.”
The 2012-2013 Award winner, Rick Blackwell, is the Service Learning and Leadership Coordinator at Mercy Academy in Louisville. Blackwell used the cash prize to help fund an advocacy trip, bringing 130 high school juniors to Frankfort to meet with and lobby legislators on issues the students had researched and attend sessions of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Application/Nomination forms and additional information about the Award are available at www.sos.ky.gov. In addition to the Secretary of State, the contest is sponsored and prizes are provided by the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts and Kentucky Department of Education.
