Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, February 03, 2012

Kasey Fields will be recognized Feb. 7 during KAGE’s state conference at the Marriott Griffin Gate. (Photo: provided by SCAPA at Bluegrass)

Sixth-grader Kasey Fields, who attends SCAPA at Bluegrass, has been selected as this year’s statewide winner of the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award.

The award, which is open to grades 3-6, recognizes a student who has not only achieved in academics, leadership or the arts but also contributed to the community at a level beyond his or her age expectations. In this case, Kasey coordinated a 5K fun run/walk called Running 4 the Sole, which gathered shoes for people in poor countries and disaster-struck areas.  

• Kasey reflects on her leadership experience

“Kasey truly raised awareness for health and wellness, collected almost 800 pairs of shoes for needy people and, through her example, inspired untold numbers of people to ‘be the change they want to see in the world,’” said Melanie Stivers, a gifted and talented resource teacher at SCAPA. “We often hear people say that it will be exciting to see what certain students will accomplish as they grow up and choose careers. We don’t have to wait on Kasey Fields. She is selflessly making amazing contributions right now.”

The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award is presented by the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education and the National Association for Gifted Education. The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority provides the $500 savings bond for the winner. Kasey will be recognized Feb. 7 during KAGE’s state conference at the Marriott Griffin Gate.

This nationwide award honors the memory of a 7-year-old boy named Nicholas who was killed in a drive-by shooting while visiting Italy in 1994. It has been given to one distinguished student in Kentucky each year since 2000. Kasey is the first winner from Fayette County.

Archives

Read more news and features in FCPS