The Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk Jr. Memorial Scholarship

The Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk Jr. Memorial Scholarship is in memory of Manny. He served as the first black permanent superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) from June 2015 until the time of his death on December 4, 2020.

This scholarship is open to future teachers or anyone who will major in education. In response to the teacher shortage and the district’s strategic priority of a Highly Effective and Culturally Responsive Workforce, this transition is aimed at increasing the number and diversity of educators.

Manny was a student of history committed to righting the wrongs of 400 years. He was a warrior for human rights, social justice and equity. Education changed his life, and his calling was to share that gift with others. He 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 equity and excellence.

After his selection as the 2019 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year, Manny included a $2,500 scholarship for a FCPS high school graduate.  He pledged to continue to provide an annual scholarship out of his own pocket. Ms. Christol Caulk, Superintendent Caulk’s widow, is honored to continue the scholarship in Manny’s memory thanks to the generosity of a group of supporters who donated in his honor. Along with Ms. Caulk, The Fayette Education Foundation is pleased to present a FCPS graduating senior as the recipient of the Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Class of 2021

Azaria Howard, Frederick Douglass HS, attending Tennessee State University

Class of 2022

Ria Munnolimath, Frederick Douglass HS, attending University of Kentucky

Class of 2023

Mya Gibbs, Tates Creek HS, attending University of Kentucky

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA:

Be a Graduating Senior from a Fayette County Public high school or program
Have a minimum 2.5 GPA or higher
Be accepted and enrolled in a two or four-year institution or program within 12 months of graduation
Plan to study education with the goal of becoming a teacher
No later than April 1 at midnight, write and submit answers (each 250 words or less) to each of the following questions:

• What book, teacher, or class has changed the way you think? How? (250 words or less)
• What have you learned from someone who is very different from you? (250 words or less)
• How has your public-school education prepared you for college? (250 words or less)
• Why do you want to teach? (250 words or less)

Scholarship payment will be made directly to the recipient’s school upon enrollment.