Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award

Young Kentuckians are inspiring. They exhibit the values, skills and enthusiasm that are the hallmarks of engaged, responsible citizens. Yet 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.

The Kentucky Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award highlights and rewards these individuals for their extraordinary efforts to promote civic engagement among Kentucky students.

Any P-16 teacher, school administrator, educational leader, legislator or community organization leader who has made notable contributions toward promoting or implementing civic learning to prepare students to be engaged and responsible citizens is eligible for the Award. One finalist is selected from each Kentucky Sweet 16 region, and prizes, including a plaque for each finalist and a $1,000 award for the winner to use toward resources or equipment for the his or her school or program, will be presented at a ceremony during the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Men's Basketball Sweet 16 Tournament in Lexington.

Eric Sexton of Edmonton (Region 4) received the 2018 award. He organizes leadership government sessions for local middle and high school students, which provides them first-hand experience with state government in Frankfort and meetings with their state legislators. Sexton regularly helps organize high school voter registration and education drives. As a career/college coordinator in Metcalfe County, Sexton oversaw a 20 percent increase in college-bound graduates. He received a $1,000 award to be used toward resources for his civic programs.

 

 
Secretary Grimes and 2018 Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award Finalists
 

The 16 regional finalists are:

  • Region 1 – Michael Robinson
  • Region 2 – Joseph Riley
  • Region 6 – Jonathan Joseph
  • Region 7 – Jan Helson
  • Region 10 – Sara Wells
  • Region 11 – Josh Mers
  • Region 12 – Jeff Moss
  • Region 13 – Jeff Phillips
  • Region 14 – Vivian Carter
  • Region 15 – Fran Booth
  • Region 16 – Lea Ann Reeves-Gollihue​

This opportunity to recognize leaders who are devoted to ensuring a bright future for our state and help them continue their good work would not be possible without the Secretary of State's co-sponsors, the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Kentucky Department of Education. In addition to a financial contribution, the AOC judges the applications/nominations.

The deadline to apply for the 2019 award is February 25th, 2019.

Please contact the office at (502) 564-3490 or via email if you would like any additional information.

2019 Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award Nomination/Application​​​​​​