FRANKFORT, KY - Kentucky Child Now! has selected the winners of the 2005 Destiny Awards, in celebration of the efforts and influence of individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact in our communities, and will recognize the honorees at the 5th Annual Destiny Awards on July 14, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Center for the Arts in Louisville.
The 5th Annual Destiny Awards is part of the 2nd Annual Great Kids Summit, the Kentucky Child Now! conference, held on July 13 - 15 in Louisville at the Galt House.
The Destiny Awards was created in 2001 to recognize the work and devotion of individuals and groups around the commonwealth in providing a bright future for Kentucky's children. The award is presented to youth that have demonstrated considerable work and leadership on the behalf of their peers; businesses that are devoted to the well-being of Kentucky's children; government officials or representatives that consistently champion Kentucky's youth; non-profit individuals that make significant impact in their communities by promoting youth; and non-profit organizations that are dedicated to assisting Kentucky's young people.
This year's recipients have made great efforts on behalf of Kentucky's youth and made huge differences in their communities.
The 2005 Destiny Award recipients include:
. Youth Award: Casandra Woodall, Lexington, Ky. In her role as a youth leader Casandra has found that being both a minority and a woman can inspire others to open their minds to change or seek leadership themselves. Casandra is a junior at Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky, president of the Mayor's Youth Council, a Lexington Youth Leadership Academy ambassador, a D.A.R.E role model and Kentucky Child Now Youth Advisory Council member. Contact Casandra Woodall at (859) 266-7250.
. Business Award: Staff of the Big Sandy Area Child Advocacy Center, Pikeville, Ky. The staff of the Big Sandy Area Child Advocacy Center has shown great dedication in their efforts to reduce the trauma experienced by child abuse victims by providing a child-friendly environment and holistic services. The warmth, compassion and support of the center's staff have helped thousands of children to handle their traumatic experiences through specialized services like medical examinations, counseling and advocacy. Contact Laura Kretzer at (606) 437-7447.
. Non-Profit Individual: Stephon Gilkey, Louisville, Ky. For the past 11 years Stephon has made a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of inner-city youth living in Louisville. Stephon provides Jefferson County students with a nurturing environment that focuses on education and positive decision making through structured activities and ongoing relationships with adults in a safe and caring atmosphere in the Onward and Upward program. Contact Stephon Gilkey at (502) 682-2946.
. Non-Profit Organization: Peace Education Program, Louisville, Ky. For over 23 years the Peace Education Program has promoted youth empowerment, peer mediation and conflict resolution, and worked to reduce prejudice throughout the state. The staff and leadership of the Peace Education Program have worked tirelessly with over 155 schools and 42 communities, teaching youth the skills necessary to succeed. Contact Eileen Blanton at (502) 589-6583.
. Government Award: AIM program Volunteer Attorneys, Burlington, Ky. Though the Attendance Intervention and Mediation (AIM) program has been helping Boone County youth for only 18 months, the volunteer attorneys who selflessly offer their time and services to help Kentucky's young people have already made a huge difference in their community. This program was implemented to assist truant students from Boone County elementary and middle schools by providing free representation and mentorship to those students most in danger of truancy or habitual truancy. Contact Staci Alder at (859) 334-2192.
The 2005 Destiny Awards winners have all given tirelessly to their communities and shown true dedication to Kentucky's youth. Kentucky Child Now! salutes these leaders and their efforts to serve and promote Kentucky's young people.
"If our goal is to mobilize the Commonwealth to create positive action on behalf of children and youth, then we must take time to recognize and celebrate the ways in which people and organizations are making a difference," said Carol Blethen, Executive Director of Kentucky Child Now!
The 5th Annual Destiny Awards will include a reception, the Creative Youth Exposition and the awards ceremony. The program will also feature special guests; local jazz artist Harry Pickens, inspirational speaker Calvin Mackie, Ph.D., and WAVE 3 news anchor Dawne Gee as mistress of ceremonies.
The Creative Youth Exposition will feature artwork by young artists that participated in the Celebrating Creative Youth program, hosted by Kentucky Child Now! The Creative Youth Exposition will feature the winners of the 2005 Creative Youth Awards, Jonathan Hill of Pulaski County High School, and Elizabeth Ferrar of LaRue County High School. Hill and Ferrar will receive an award and a $1,000 individual grant, their schools will also receive a $500 grant and the two winners will be honored and recognized during the award ceremony.
Tickets are required for the Destiny Awards, either $40/person or free for participants of the 2nd Annual Great Kids Summit. *Media are invited to att/files/storyimages/the 5th Annual Destiny Awards for free though an RSVP is required. Please contact the Public Relations Officer as soon as possible if you do indeed decide to attend.
For more information or to register for the 5th Annual Destiny Awards or the 2nd Annual Great Kids Summit, contact Kentucky Child Now! at (502) 227-7722 or visit www.kychildnow.org.
The Great Kids Summit is a unique statewide conference which in 2003 brought over 500 youth and adults together to create positive change in the lives of youth in Kentucky. The Great Kids Summit offers youth ages 13 - 24, health professionals, youth workers, state and local leaders, community groups and educators the opportunity to promote the health, safety and success of Kentucky's young people.
Kentucky Child Now! is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to promote the healthy development of children and youth through innovative state and community strategies. Our initiatives integrate children's health and youth development; foster collaboration; create positive change and action on behalf of all children; and address the need to engage young people as partners and change agents.
