The Fayette Education Foundation has announced the recipient of the third annual Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Mya Gibbs, a senior from Tates Creek High School, was selected for the honor by a committee chaired by Caulk’s widow, Christol Caulk. Gibbs received the $2,500 scholarship based on her academic achievement, desire to become an educator and her story about how public education prepared her for life after high school.
The Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk Jr. Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of the Fayette County Public Schools superintendent after his death in December 2020. After his selection as the 2019 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year, Manny used his stipend to award a $2,500 scholarship to a Fayette County Public Schools graduate. He had pledged to continue to provide an annual scholarship out of his own pocket. Upon his death, with the blessing of his widow, a memorial scholarship fund was established in his memory.
Beginning this year, the scholarship is open only to future teachers or those who will major in education. In response to the teacher shortage and the Fayette County Public School district’s strategic priority of a Highly Effective and Culturally Responsive Workforce, this transition is aimed at increasing the number and diversity of educators.
Christol Caulk shared, “Manny believed in the dreams of others and spent his career opening access and opportunity so children could fulfill their unlimited potential. He was a true champion for education and excellence.”
Gibbs, daughter of Catherine Gibbs, will attend the University of Kentucky in the fall and plans to major in education within the Special Education (EDS) Program. EDS prepares students to work with individuals with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and moderate and severe disabilities in P-12 classrooms.
This article appears in the 2023 Lexington Families Guide. To subscribe to the digital edition, click here.
