Metcalfe Co. gifted students attend proclamation ceremony

EDMONTON, Ky. – A group of Metcalfe students joined Kentucky’s lieutenant governor Thursday for a special ceremony at the State Capitol.

According to Metcalfe County Schools, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman presented a proclamation signed by Gov. Andy Beshear declaring
February as Gifted Education Month in the Commonwealth.

The proclamation highlighted the importance of gifted education in helping students develop critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills that will prepare them to become future leaders in their communities and beyond.

Leah Kerr, a ninth-grade Metcalfe County High School student, said, “This experience helped me realize programs like KAGE (Kentucky Association for Gifted Education) bring people together to advocate for gifted education. This work equips us for success.”

At the ceremony, Kerr joined fellow students Lydia Bennett, Allee Decker, Colton Devore, Kullen Jessie, Kinsley Reece, Claire Shapiro and Alma Shirley. They also toured the capitol building and heard from state legislators.

Metcalfe County Schools gifted coordinator Autumn Shirley said witnessing the proclamation was an inspiring experience for the students.

“Seeing the Capitol Rotunda filled with those who value the work we do in gifted education was motivating for me, as well as the students,” Shirley said. “It allowed them to see the significance in their education to be recognized at such a high level.”

Metcalfe County Schools says it is “proud to partner with the local extension office to provide gifted education services to the children of Metcalfe County.”