Kentucky National Guard Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox and Eminence Independent School District
Contact: Cody Patterson
502-564-2611
Cody.Patterson@ky.gov
Woody Maglinger
502-564-2611
Woody.Maglinger@ky.gov
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 3, 2017) – Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton on Friday celebrated the official partnership she helped to forge between the Kentucky National Guard Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy (BCA) at Fort Knox and Eminence Independent School District (EIS) in Henry County.
The agreement is the result of years of effort, enabling BCA graduates to receive high school academic credits. Lt. Gov. Hampton co-signed a ceremonial document along with BCA director Brig. Gen. Charles Jones and EIS superintendent Dr. Buddy Berry. BCA cadets, instructors and Kentucky National Guard members attended the ceremony in the State Reception Room at the Kentucky Capitol.
During a visit to BCA last year, Lt. Gov. Hampton was impressed by the cadets' determination, resilience and hard work. When she learned cadet academic credits were not universally recognized across all Kentucky school systems, she decided to help Brig. Gen. Jones rectify the oversight. Brig. Gen. Jones had been working on the problem for over two years.
Lt. Gov. Hampton introduced Brig. Gen. Jones to Dr. Berry, whose innovative academic program impressed her during a visit to EIS last year. Soon after their initial meeting, Jones and Berry formulated a strategic plan to create an official partnership that allows BCA students to earn high school credits towards a diploma.
"This alliance represents what can be accomplished when we work together to develop student-focused solutions," said Lt Gov. Hampton. "I'm excited that ChalleNGe Academy cadets can now receive appropriate credit for their academic achievements." She also thanked her staff for their research and creative problem solving efforts.
For more information on the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy visit http://kyyouthchallenge.org/.
Note: Click here to download photos from Friday's ceremony.