On Wednesday (April 19), Gov. Matt Bevin and First Lady Glenna Bevin visited Ashland’s Paul Blazer High School, where they surprised one of the First Lady’s Derby Poster Contest finalists, Anistyn Conner.
Gov. Bevin and Mrs. Bevin also toured the school and stopped in several other classes to visit with students. They were also joined by Boyd County Judge-Exec. Steve Towler, State Sen. Robin Webb and Ashland Mayor Steve Gilmore.
“Anistyn is so talented," said Mrs. Bevin. "I absolutely love the art she submitted in the contest. She was unable to attend the luncheon Matt and I hosted for the finalists, so we wanted to make sure she was honored in a special way. I want to empower our young people and encourage them to be creative and get involved. That is why we have started this tradition with the Derby Poster Contest.”
“It’s amazing what good art can do to change a person’s entire outlook, and bring hope and life into situations that otherwise seem a little gloomy,” said Gov. Bevin. “We hope that with this contest, young people like Anistyn will be inspired to use the gifts they are blessed with to help others.”
Early this year, the First Lady’s Office offered an opportunity for high school students to design the 2017 Kentucky Derby poster to be displayed in the Capitol. Typically, professionals have been chosen to create the annual poster. This year, students throughout the Commonwealth were invited to offer their own rendering of what they think Derby Day looks like. The deadline for submissions was Feb. 20.
Following their trip to Paul Blazer, the Governor and Mrs. Bevin toured Ramey-Estep, a private, not-for-profit organization located on a 216-acre campus, which consists of living quarters, a school and administrative offices. Current Ramey-Estep residents guided their tour. State Senator Robin Webb, Ramey-Estep officials and board members also joined Gov. and Mrs. Bevin.
(story provided by Office of the Governor)
