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 […]
From Gridiron to Graduation: A Coach’s Impact on Student Success
From working at flea markets with his family to leading his high school football team to victory, Clark Payne learned the value of hard work early on. Today, his strong work ethic and enthusiasm for helping others guide him in his work as Full-Service Community Schools Coordinator at Middlesboro High School, where he makes a […]
Promise Neighborhood Alum Empowering the Next Generation
When Jackson County native McKenzie Peters was a student at Tyner Elementary School, she couldn’t have imagined someday being a Partners for Rural Impact legacy. Peters, who was a student during the first Promise Neighborhood grant, is the new Full-Service Community Schools Coordinator at Tyner. Peters’ employer, Partners for Rural Impact (formerly Partners for Education), […]