We hope you will consider becoming a member of KAGE, and support efforts such as this compilation of opportunities.

We hope you will consider becoming a member of KAGE, and support efforts such as this compilation of opportunities.

During the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education’s 32^nd Annual Conference, KAGE recognized five individuals for their outstanding service and advocacy in support of Kentucky’s gifted and talented children and youth. Mr. Sean Howard (Glasgow, KY), Mr. Bill Farmer (Lexington, KY), Ms. Cindy Pearce (Lexington, KY), Ms. Sarah Styer (Lexington, KY), and Mr. Bill Gatliff (Lexington, KY) have made positive contributions to educating gifted students, their parents and their communities.  KAGE was pleased to recognize these individuals for their advocacy efforts. The awards were presented February 6, 2012, at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington.

Sean Howard, Superintendent, Glasgow Independent Schools, Glasgow, KY

Mr. Sean Howard has fostered an environment within the Glasgow Independent Schools where parents and educators work together to celebrate gifted students. His efforts began with a vision that became a reality. The CELTIC Academy (Creating Enriched Learning Through Innovative Curriculum) is a gifted pull-out program for students in grades 3-7 who demonstrate talent and potential in math and science. Mr. Howard has provided students many other opportunities to enhance their education through strengthening school academic teams, providing after school tutors for students, and offering the opportunity to attend weekend and summer educational activities. Mr. Howard not only recognizes gifted and talented students, but supports and encourages these students to take pride in their giftedness. He encourages parents and educators to provide and promote opportunities for gifted students and involve themselves in these students’ educational experiences. He has also provided opportunities for teachers and parents to grow and learn more about gifted children. Mr. Howard devotes a great amount of time and effort and truly believes in providing the essential experiences and advocacy needed by gifted students.

Bill Farmer, President and CEO of the United Way of the Bluegrass, Lexington, KY

Mr. Bill Farmer became a strong advocate for gifted education through his involvement with the LexKAGE Chapter after attending the Gifted Education Symposium at Shakertown.  He developed a partnership between the United Way of the Bluegrass and LexKAGE and has encouraged a partnership between community businesses and organizations to provide additional opportunities for students. Mr. Farmer believes that gifted students should obtain more than in-class experiences.  He supported the LexKAGE Super Saturdays Program and helped it grow from one session once a year to multi-sessions with a timeline for continued growth. Mr. Farmer’s advice and encouragement to “dream big” have been crucial for the LexKAGE board as they learn their way through the maze of challenges in developing the Super Saturday Program.

Sarah Styer, LexKAGE Corresponding Secretary, Lexington, KY

Sarah Styer has been an active advocate for many years not only for her gifted child but for other gifted students as well. She has been the Corresponding Secretary for LexKAGE for several years. However, she involves herself in gifted education so much more than that. Ms. Styer developed and maintains the LexKAGE website. She is not only a member of LexKAGE but also a KAGE member and Meadowthorpe PTA Vice-President of Communications and Corresponding Secretary. Ms. Styer has shown her passion for enhancing gifted education through sharing her skills in photography and devoting her time to volunteering with the community, schools, and the classroom. Her passion for supporting gifted education is no secret and she continues to be involved in promoting gifted education.

Cynthia Pearce, LexKAGE Treasurer, Lexington, KY

Cynthia Pearce is the parent of a gifted child and treasurer for the LexKAGE Chapter. Ms. Pearce eases the difficulties of accounting for LexKAGE by organizing the information and creating a data base for the Super Saturday Program memberships. Her involvement and support for gifted education is seen through her hard work, dedication, and her innumerable hours spent developing LexKAGE into a strong organization. Her passion for gifted education has spread to others and has encouraged them to advocate for gifted students.

Bill Gatliff, Principal, Stonewall Elementary, Lexington, KY

Mr. Bill Gatliff is not only the principal but also a dedicated leader in providing opportunities for gifted students. He offered LexKAGE the use of his building for the Super Saturday Program, and successfully worked out the details involved in providing an outstanding event. He volunteered much of his time and support in making sure the program would be an exceptional experience. Mr. Gatliff is an advocator for gifted children and shows his dedication through his positive attitude and eagerness to do what it takes to provide a quality program to gifted students.

David Lawhorn, KHEAA representative, with Kasey Fields, the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award winner for 2011-12.

Kasey Fields, a sixth grader from Lexington, KY, has been awarded the 2011-2012 Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award. Kasey is the daughter of Greg and Kathy Fields of Lexington, KY. She will receive a $500 U.S. savings bond and a Certificate of Excellence from NAGC and a $500 Entity Account from the Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust (KESPT).

Kasey was nominated by Melanie Stivers, her GT teacher at the School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA) in Lexington.  What began as a GT leadership class challenge for Kasey, merged with information learned about an organization called Soles 4 Souls.  She organized a 5K race and asked that participants donate one or more pairs of gently used shoes as a registration fee.  Running 4 the Sole was a success with 142 people racing and spectators coming to show support and donate shoes.  The shoes were shipped to a distribution center from which they were sent to Africa and Haiti.  According to Mrs. Stivers, what began as a GT leadership class challenge became a project of absolutely amazing breadth and depth.  She was leading a large effort, with many moving parts and a whole team of volunteers acting under her supervision.

Kasey wants to use her unique talents and passion to make a positive contribution to her community and world. We think she is well on her way. The award was presented at the KAGE 32nd Annual Conference, February 7, 2012, at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington.

Legislators need to know that funding for gifted and talented education is important to you and why.  As the budget discussions are being conducted in quiet meetings and in committee hearings, legislators need to be hearing from constituents in the gifted education community.  Please call to talk or leave a message for your legislator!   Ask them to:

• Restore Gifted and Talented funding to $7,121,500 ( the 2003-2004 level) in budget discussions
• Hold the Gifted and Talented funding harmless from future budget reductions
• Let them know why funding for gifted education is important to you!

Legislators who are members of the Appropriation and Revenue Committees, Education Committees, and the House Budget Review Committee for Primary and Secondary Education are the most influential at this stage and especially need to hear from you.  A list of committee members is available at the following link. 

Calling is the best way.  If you do not speak directly to your legislator, please leave a message.  Important phone numbers you need:

Legislative Message Line: 800.372.7181

To speak directly to your legislator: 502.564.8100, Ask for your legislator by name

Not sure who your legislator is:

Go to the http://www.lrc.ky.gov and click on Who’s My Legislator?

Please pass this information to others who are interested and will call.  At least ten messages to each legislator can make a big difference.

The KAGE web page, www.kagegifted.org, has additional information under the Advocacy and Legislation tab that you might like to know about gifted education in KY.

We’re at the beginning of a long process that will need all of us working together to make it happen.  Please help make this happen for gifted children.

Thank you for all you do for gifted children.

Lynette Baldwin
Executive Director
Kentucky Association for Gifted Education

The William T. Nallia Award honors an education leader who reflects the spirit of innovation and cutting edge leadership while bringing higher levels of success and learning to children. The award is named in honor of William T. Nallia, a KASA executive director from 1975-1986. Under Nallia’s leadership, the organization experienced tremendous growth and has since remained at the forefront of innovation in public education in Kentucky.

Dr. Roberts, the Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies, is an influential figure in gifted education on a state, national and international level. She was awarded the 2011 Acorn Award at the Annual Governor’s Conference on Postsecondary Education Trusteeship, was named one of the 100 gifts WKU has given to the world, received the very first David W. Berlin Advocacy Award from the National Association for Gifted Children, and was named one of the 55 most influential people in the field of gifted education in Profiles of Influence in Gifted Education. She serves as treasurer of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children and president of the Council for Exceptional Children—The Association for the Gifted.  She has authored numerous articles, chapters, and books, including the Legacy Award-winningStrategies for Differentiating Instruction: Best Practices for the Classroom co-authored with Tracy Inman in 2009.

Dr. Roberts is also responsible for opening a state-funded residential high school for students gifted in science and math, The Gatton Academy.  After 10 years of advocacy work, Dr. Roberts was able to open the doors and has welcomed her fifth class this fall. The academy was recently recognized in Newsweek as one of the nation’s top five high schools.

“Dr. Roberts is a servant leader who keeps her eye on the prize. She is an extremely talented individual who has been a force in helping many students in Kentucky succeed,” Wayne Young, executive director of KASA, said.

“Julia’s passion for gifted children drives her leadership vision. She communicates this vision gently, but persistently, with all she does and with everyone she meets. The kids come first,” Lynette Baldwin, executive director of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education, said.

Representing nearly 3,000 education leaders, KASA has members in every school district in the commonwealth. KASA has been connecting education leaders to policymakers, legislators and other interest groups in addition to providing numerous benefits and services to Kentucky’s school administrators for over 40 years.

For more information, contact  Abigale Piper at (502) 875-3411