Empowering Student Voices: Pineville ISD Hosts Attendance Summit to Spark Change
On November 19, Pineville Independent School District (ISD) took a bold step to engage students in shaping the future of their school. In collaboration with Partners for Rural Impact (PRI) STOP-V program, Pineville hosted a dynamic Student Voice Summit. The event, facilitated by PRI’s Integrated Strategies Team, brought together student council members to explore innovative […]
PRI Employee Named Staff Member of the Month at Central Elementary School
Sabrina Cross was recognized as “staff member of the month” at Central Elementary School in Knox County, Kentucky, for the month of October. “I am honored to serve as the FSCS School Coordinator for Partners for Rural Impact at Central Elementary, dedicated to advancing the success of all Appalachian students,” Cross said. “I feel fortunate […]
Building Homes and Community in Letcher County
Shellie Williams realized her calling was to work with children from early on in her career, starting out at a childcare center in 2000. Now, she has been a Full-Service Community Schools Coordinator at Letcher County Central High School for two years. “There’s no place like Letcher County,” Williams said, calling to mind her hometown. […]
Helping Students Build Confidence and Independence in Jackson County, Kentucky
For Charity Rose, the most rewarding part of her job comes from working alongside the students she is serving, including her own children. “Being in the school, I can see what the needs are, and I can bring in programs and resources to meet those needs,” Rose said. “Not just for my own kids, but […]
One Caring Adult: Standing in the Corner for Students
One Caring Adult: Standing in the Corner for Students When Carlee Halsey graduated from Morehead State University, she knew she wanted to return to her hometown to serve the community where she grew up in Wolfe County, Kentucky. In her position as Full-Service Community Schools Coordinator at Red River Valley Elementary School, she gets to […]
‘It Takes a Village:’ The Whole Child Approach in Letcher County
‘It Takes a Village:’ The Whole Child Approach in Letcher County For Mandy Wynn, returning to the world of academia to pursue her GED and higher education sparked a passion and purpose for serving her community. She now embodies that purpose every day in her role as Student Success Navigator at Jenkins Middle High School […]
A Mentor’s Mission to Uplift and Inspire Barbourville Students
A Mentor’s Mission to Uplift and Inspire Barbourville Students There are two things Travis Mills is passionate about: education and Appalachia. With a rich background in education, Mills has been a guiding light for students in his community for years. He is the proud recipient of 17 Green Leaf Awards and counting—an honor bestowed upon […]
‘Whatever it Takes:’ The Importance of Partnerships in Supporting Rural Youth
‘Whatever it Takes:’ The Importance of Partnerships in Supporting Rural Youth Red Ribbon Week Kentucky Farm to School Challenge Rene’ Cornette’s passion for improving the lives of students shines through with her every word, made evident by the energy and purpose she brings to her work. A lifelong Harlan Countian, Cornette now works as Full-Service […]
Rural Roots and First-Gen Futures
Tori Looney For many rural students, going to college means leaving their hometown behind, at least for a little while. Navigating the world of post-secondary education can be daunting, particularly for first-generation students. Having someone to show you the way can be invaluable—especially when they’ve been exactly where you are. The subject of this week’s […]
The Rewarding Work of Witnessing Student Success
Early in her college career, Jenny Holland had plans to go into the medical field as a physical therapist. But after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology, she discovered that education was her true calling. Today, Holland is a Full-Service Community Schools coordinator at Letcher County Schools. Jenny Holland When Holland’s father was diagnosed […]