More than 100 people have registered for the Rally 4 Education Excellence at Henderson Community College on Saturday, March 21. That’s 100 people who have given “one day for kids,” the rally cry of Union County First and Northwest KY Forward, regional economic leader for Henderson, Union, Webster, and McLean counties.
The Union County First committee for education started over a year ago as a citizen’s group for higher educational expectations. “We are a citizen’s group,” said Charlie Moore, member. “We are not a branch or entity of any (school or school board).” This group will continue to lead the way of education excellence even after the rally ends, and it is in this respect that Union County is at the head of the class in the four-county area.
Northwest KY Forward (NWKF) hopes the rally will inspire community activist groups to support all levels of education in the other counties as well. The rally is for the teachers, parents, and taxpayers in all four counties-- all who are stakeholders in education. “Even if you don’t have a student in (these) school systems, you have a stake in our schools—your tax dollars,” says NWKF representative Katie French.
Union County supporters of the rally are equally concerned about what happens after the rally “because that is the most important part of this,” stated Amy Hutchison, education committee member. She says they want a large representation from Union County on the day of the rally and for those concern citizens to continue to support education reform by joining them during a follow-up meeting on April 2.
“What’s next and what’s after this (rally) is the most critical factor,” said Dr. Arlene Alexander, professor of education at HCC. “We hope to mobilize (individuals) to work in the area that they really care about. If you have a third grader, you are most concerned with elementary education; If you have a graduating senior, elementary school was a long time ago (and you are concerned with college).”
Community Action Groups will be concerned with “what they have the power” to change, she continued. Some things, she determined, would be beyond the group’s control. “We cannot change curriculum (for example). That is something that has to be changed on a federal or state level. But if we can change the culture, we will.”
Alexander went on to note that a cultural change will start from the community up. The community will decide to be a part of that change, to prioritize academics before extracurricular activities, and to accept nothing less than educational excellence.
Sign-up to be a part of the Rally 4 Education Excellence on Saturday, March 21 by calling (270) 826-7505 or visiting www.rally4education.com.
Two $250 scholarships will be drawn to benefit a junior or senior in Henderson, Union, Webster or McLean county schools. Registered attendees will be entered into the drawing. The scholarship will be presented to the student in the winner's name.
