FRANKFORT, Ky. — Members of the Kentucky Jump$tart Coalition gathered recently for the “Kentucky Jump$tart Teacher Awards Dinner with the Fed.” Attendees celebrated Kentucky Jump$tart’s 2021 Teacher of the Year and Student of the Year award winners.
Teacher of the Year
The 2021 Teacher of the Year is Alex R. Claycomb of Ramsey Middle School in Louisville. The award honors a current Kentucky teacher in grades K-12 who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to teaching financial literacy topics and motivating students to learn about personal finance. Alex is the founder of the Claycomb ACCademy, a nonprofit “financial literacy academy educating children and adults on financial skills to help them be successful one goal at a time.” (Twitter: @ACCademylyfe, Facebook: @claycombaccademy).
Tom Anonson, Executive Vice President of Class Act Federal Credit Union, presented the award, which Class Act sponsored. “It is teachers like Alex that are making a difference in the classroom every day to help bring children out of poverty with an understanding of financial literacy,” Anonson said. “We are happy to support Mrs. Claycomb and many other teachers around Kentuckiana to help bring financial literacy to their students.”
As Teacher of the Year, Claycomb will represent Kentucky at the Jump$tart National Educator Conference Nov. 6-8, 2021 in Washington, D.C. In addition to a full scholarship to the conference, she will receive $250 for travel expenses and $300 for classroom materials.
Mr. Anonson also recognized this year’s runner-up, Amber Florence, who teaches at the Harrison County Area Technology Center. Ms. Florence will also have the opportunity to attend the National Educator’s Conference.
Student of the Year
The 2021 Student of the Year is Gracyn Cook of Grayson County High School. This new award honors a current Kentucky graduating senior who demonstrates an exceptional understanding of financial literacy and motivating others to learn about personal finance.
Gracyn is an active member of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She is passionate about Baking and Pastry Arts, which she plans to study at Sullivan University. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, she ultimately plans to open her own bakery, “Touch of Grace.”
As Student of the Year, Gracyn receives a $500 award, sponsored by the University of Louisville’s Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development (LEAD).
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