Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, April 29, 2011

Each year, United Way of the Bluegrass recognizes individuals and other partners who have had a positive impact on the Lexington community. Fayette County Public Schools and two of its staff members were among the 2011 honorees.

“We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable and people are healthy,” United Way president Bill Farmer said this week. “We celebrate those who have taken a stand to make a difference – those who have shown what it really means to ‘live united.’”

The school district received the “Spirit of the Bluegrass” award, which goes to an organization that brings passion, expertise and resources to the United Way workplace campaign.

FCPS increased its involvement by hosting a student “Change for Change” drive that raised more than $12,000. This type of creative thinking and exceptional results are appreciated by United Way, whose partnership with FCPS has grown during the past five years.

Receiving awards for Honoring Excellence in Education were Alice Nelson and Rosalyn Akins.

Nelson, the district’s family/community liaison, works tirelessly as an advocate and champion for children in Central Kentucky. She was described as a “go to” volunteer who clearly and effectively articulates a vision that supports all students.

Akins, a retired educator who works part-time at Leestown Middle School, founded the Black Males Working Academy at First Baptist Church Bracktown several years ago. In 2010, she partnered with United Way and the JP Morgan Chase Foundation to form a Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) component that provides academic instruction, lab experience, tutoring and mentoring.