Close to 600 community leaders gather to support the Foundation’s mission; student talent shines; Golden Apple Awards honor volunteer service
LEXINGTON, KY — September 12, 2025 – Close to 600 business leaders, educators, parents, and students filled the Central Bank Center this morning for the State of Schools Leadership Breakfast, hosted by the Fayette Education Foundation. Now in its fourth year, the event has become the Foundation’s signature fundraiser, raising critical support for programs that advance equity, access, and innovation across Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS).
A Morning of Celebration and Purpose
Guests were welcomed by emcees Sherelle Roberts, Emmyus Cayson Granville, a junior at Bryan Station High School, and Esme Morris, a junior at the School for the Creative and Performing Arts.
The program featured outstanding student talent, including the Henry Clay High School Air Force JROTC presenting the colors, the Leestown Middle School Advanced Choir performing the National Anthem and later The Dream Keeper by Rollo Dilworth, and two spirited performances by Mariachi Escudo de Bryan Station. These student showcases reminded attendees why community support for public education is so vital.
Superintendent’s Address
Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins delivered his annual address with both pride and urgency.
“Thank you, and good morning. I stand here today proud of the progress we’re making and deeply aware of the work still ahead,” Liggins began. “Our commitment to students is rooted in our Portrait of a Graduate, which ensures every child in our district leaves ready for what’s next—whether that’s college, career, or service. Through Fayette Forward, we are opening new doors by tailoring education to each learner’s path.”
He reminded the audience that new state assessment data will be released in the coming weeks and is expected to confirm the district’s momentum toward continuous improvement. “Our teachers, staff, and principals are the true magic in the classrooms,” he said, inviting principals in attendance to stand and be recognized with applause. Among the school leaders with us this morning is William Wells Brown Elementary School Principal Ebony Hutchinson, who was our 2025 principal of the year. Under her leadership, William Wells Brown has gone from being the lowest rated school in the entire Commonwealth to being recognized as an international model for excellence.
He emphasized the Fayette Education Foundation’s role in helping the district reach further:
“The Fayette Education Foundation helps us go beyond what’s required to what’s truly needed. They have awarded more than $230,000 in Bright Ideas Grants to fuel innovative classroom projects. They’ve expanded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, delivering more than 190,000 free books to children under age five in Lexington since 2023. And through TeachLEX, our ‘grow-your-own’ teacher pipeline, they’re helping ensure that tomorrow’s classrooms are led by educators who reflect the diversity and strength of our community.
“Thank you for your continued belief in our mission,” Liggins concluded. “Let’s keep moving Fayette County forward—together.”
Golden Apple Awards
The Fayette Education Foundation presented its Golden Apple Awards to eight honorees recognized for extraordinary volunteer service to Fayette County schools.
2025 Golden Apple Award Honorees:
- Dawn Webb
- Legacy Equine Academy
- UK Department of Ophthalmology
- Centerpointe Christian Church
- Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass
- Seedleaf
- KC7 Foundation
Corporate Partner Spotlight
Corporate and community partners play a vital role in the Foundation’s impact. Toyota Kentucky, a longtime supporter of education, emphasized why the event matters. “Strong schools build strong communities, and the Fayette Education Foundation makes it possible for the business community to directly invest in students,” said Kim Sweazy, Corporate Communications Senior Analyst at Toyota Kentucky. “The State of Schools Breakfast brings us together around a shared commitment: ensuring that every child in Fayette County has access to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.”
Community Impact
Carrie Boling, Executive Director of the Fayette Education Foundation, emphasized the Foundation’s role as the independent philanthropic partner of FCPS: “Since 2020, the Foundation has connected more than $2.5 million in private support directly to classrooms,” Boling said. “From scholarships to teacher grants to innovative new initiatives, we are here to ensure that every student in Fayette County has the opportunity to succeed.”
Board Chair Kaelyn Query Caldwell closed the event by calling the audience to action. “The state of our schools is strong, and the state of our resolve must be even stronger,” she said. “The Fayette Education Foundation exists to give this community a direct way to invest in our schools. Every dollar raised, every hour volunteered, every partnership formed makes a difference in the lives of our students.”
