SOMERSET, Ky. (May 23, 2012) — Four Eastern Kentuckians have earned regional recognition for making significant contributions to advance education in their home communities.
The Forward in the Fifth’s Appalachian Leaders in Education (AppLE) Awards recognize individuals who go “above and beyond” in their efforts to support education.
This year’s honorees were: Kelly Bell, principal at Metcalfe County High School; Rob Lester, pharmacist/proprietor of Pike County; parent volunteer Michelle Combs of Perry County; and Estill County student Abbey Alexandra Witt.
The awards were presented May 21 at Education Leadership Day at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset.
Forward in the Fifth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing low educational attainment levels in the region, also presented U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) with the 2012 AppLE Visionary Award in recognition of his creation in 1986 of the organization, also an affiliate of The Center for Rural Development.
“Educators who lead with purpose and look beyond the horizon are making a difference in the lives of our students and ultimately impacting our communities,” Rogers said. “I commend all of the 2012 AppLE award winners, who are leaders with purpose.”
The AppLE Award winners
Educator Award — Kelly Bell, principal at Metcalfe County High School
When Bell was hired as school principal, Metcalfe County High School was listed as one of the “Ten Worst Schools in Kentucky,” according to the federal “No Child Left Behind” guidelines.
She decided to change that designation. During her tenure, she has worked to improve students’ confidence in themselves, their school and their community. Under Bell’s leadership, student ACT and graduation rates have risen. She has involved the community in the revitalization of the school by inviting community leaders to visit the school, have lunch with the students and learn what they can do to support education in their home community.
Community Leader Award — Rob Lester of Pike County, pharmacist/proprietor
Lester received his education in Pike County and has sought ways to give back to the community. He formed a partnership with the University of Pikeville to establish a dual credit program, so that deserving students could get a jumpstart on their post-secondary education. He remains active in speaking with students about the value of education and establishing programs that will academically benefit students of Pike County.
Parent Award — Michelle Combs of Perry County
Combs is involved in volunteer and fundraising efforts in the Hazard Independent School System. As assistant coach of the middle and high school speech teams, she encourages her students to become involved. She also serves as a volunteer for the Hazard/Perry County Soccer Leagues and coordinates numerous other volunteers on a weekly basis to ensure the smooth transition of the extra-curricular activities. Her individual sacrifices are often overshadowed by the accomplishments of the young people she is assisting.
Student Award — Abbey Alexandra Witt of Estill County
Witt is involved in career and technical education at Estill County High School. As president of Kentucky’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), she has traveled across the state informing students about the impact career and technical education can have on her peers, as well as local communities. In February, Witt testified before Kentucky’s House and Senate committees on the difference the programs have made in her life.
Retired basketball coach honored
During the event, Rogers presented his Fifth Congressional District “Difference Maker Award” to retired NCAA and NBA basketball coach Lee Rose and his wife, Eleanor, for their volunteer support to motivate students in southern and eastern Kentucky to stay in school and plan careers.
“It is an honor to recognize the tireless efforts of Coach Lee Rose and his wife, Eleanor for volunteering their time to tour our rural region and reach out to thousands of students about the importance of getting a high school diploma and dreaming big,” Rogers said. “They are difference makers, along with all of the educators in our region who realize our region’s future begins in the classroom.”
From 2004 to 2009, Coach Rose partnered with Forward in the Fifth to travel throughout each of the 42 counties in the organization’s service area to share the emotional story of his journey from his childhood in Estill County to becoming a successful basketball coach. Rose coached many of basketball’s greatest players during his 50-year career, including the legendary Michael Jordan, former University of Kentucky (UK) Wildcat All-American Tony Delk, and former Boston Celtics forward Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell.
During these five years of work with Forward in the Fifth, Rose delivered his presentation to 11,000 middle and high school students in the region.
In addition to the AppLE Award presentations, representatives from Clay County Schools, Wayne County and Monticello Independent Schools, and Jenkins Independent School in Letcher County, led a series of breakout sessions on the impact grant funding from Forward in the Fifth’s Local Educational Affiliate Program (LEAP) has had in tackling educational issues in their areas.
Somerset businessman Chuck Coldiron, who organized the successful “Read Pulaski County” literacy event at The Center the past two years, also delivered a presentation on the success of that endeavor. At each event, nearly 1,000 Pulaski County fourth graders enjoyed a free pizza lunch and received a children’s book, and had the opportunity to hear Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear speak about the importance of reading.
“Our Local Educational Affiliate Program (LEAP) is a very practical way people can get involved in improving their community’s education process,” said Jim Tackett, executive director of Forward in the Fifth. “This program has a long history of creating long-lasting change. We have no doubt that these communities will grow and sustain their efforts serving future generations.”
Since 2011, Forward in the Fifth has presented more than $13,000 to nine counties, including area schools or college systems, to establish a LEAP affiliate in their home communities and address an educational issue relevant to students in the region.
For more information about the AppLE Awards or LEAP grant program, call Tackett at 1-606-677-6000 or visit www.fif.org.
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