Fayette County Board of Education Chairman Larry Conner has been awarded the Lauren K. Weinberg Humanitarian Award from the Kentucky Conference for Community and Justice.

    “I don’t work to get recognized. … I just do what I do to help all kids in Fayette County,” said Conner, who said it’s gratifying that people have noticed all the meetings, hours of phone calls and one-on-one conversations on behalf of students.

    “(The award) just recognizes the great job that we’ve done as a community and board to elevate education to a level where everyone respects our efforts,” he said. “It’s good to be recognized for something you love to do.”

    The humanitarian award goes to an individual or organization whose life or work affirms the mission of KCCJ – to raise awareness and speak out for the just, fair and equal treatment of all people by promoting respect, understanding and acceptance through advocacy, education and empowerment.

    KCCJ presented three awards for 2008: to Conner, the Catholic Action Center and Dr. George W. Privett. The ceremony was April 17 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel.

    KCCJ chairman, attorney Reginald Thomas, noted that the recipients all demonstrate support and caring for the community and sacrifice their time and energy for the betterment of Lexington. He particularly cited Conner’s life-long involvement in education and his selfless service to the school district.

    “Doing it to help better life for Fayette County children certainly is worthy of recognition,” Thomas said.

    Conner was nominated by P.G. Peeples, president and CEO of the Lexington Urban League, and schools Superintendent Stu Silberman. Thomas said the KCCJ board’s vote on Conner was unanimous.

    “This award is so well-deserved. Larry is a champion for all people, and they could not have selected a better person,” Silberman said. “He exemplifies high character and integrity, and we’re blessed to have him as our school board chairman.”