The National Archives and the UK Libraries Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center are proud to present the 2024 Earle C. Clements Innovation in Education Award to four outstanding Kentucky teachers:
These exemplary educators will be recognized during an award ceremony in the Great Hall of the Special Collections Research Center, located in the Margaret I. King Library, on Friday, August 9 at 4:00 pm.
The event is free and open to the public. A reception will immediately follow the event, and RSVPs are appreciated.
The Clements Award recognizes history and civics teachers from across the Commonwealth who demonstrate a marked impact on student success, display great creativity and innovation in the classroom, and show a decided commitment to increasing student awareness of the importance of public service.
The award honors the legacy of the late governor, representative, and senator, Earle C. Clements. During his long and distinguished political career, Clements embodied a spirit of service, a dedication to public life, and a commitment to productive political discourse. Clements was a lifelong advocate of improved education.
This year’s winners teach at all levels and come from all corners of the state:
Kendrick Bryan holds Bachelor of Arts in History, Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling, and Master of Arts in History degrees from Western Kentucky University. He has taught Integrated Social Studies, U.S. History, and Street Law at LaRue County High School (LCHS) in Hodgenville since 2013. Bryan also serves as the sponsor of LCHS’s Kentucky YMCA Student Y chapter and teaches students earning dual credit via Campbellsville University.
“It is an honor to win this award from the National Archives and UK Libraries. Civics education is the foundation of civic participation, and I strive every day to encourage students to be active citizens.”
Sarah Chumley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts in Education in Reading and Writing from Eastern Kentucky University. Chumley began her teaching career in 2012 at Booker T. Washington Elementary in Lexington, where she currently teaches 5th grade. She serves as the Social Studies Lead Teacher, as a member of the school’s Site Based Decision Making Council, and as a Teacher Lead with the Unity, Belonging, & Student Efficacy Team.
"Given the current state of our communities and city, parent and community engagement are more important than ever before. Teachers must be committed to making all learning relevant and relatable, and encouraging students to use their voice and power to make changes in their communities. Being recognized as someone who works hard and is consistently engaged in these efforts is something I am very proud of."
Whitney Criswell holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Education degrees from Georgetown College. She has taught middle school social studies for fourteen years and currently teaches 6th grade at Royal Spring Middle School in Georgetown. Criswell also serves as a Digital Learning Coach, participates in the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation’s Educators Promoting Insightful Citizenship (EPIC) Grant, and is a member of the Curriculum Map and AI Policy Committees for Scott County Schools.
"I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to receive the Earle C. Clements Innovation in Education Award. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of my incredible colleagues, supportive administration and family, and enthusiastic students, who continually inspire and challenge me to innovate and excel. This award fuels my passion for education and reinforces my commitment to fostering an engaging, inclusive, and impactful learning environment."
Kelly Pratt-Booth holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Education degrees from the University of Kentucky. She began her teaching career at Bryan Station High School in Lexington, where she taught World History and Visual & Performing Arts, and for the past ten years has taught World History at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas. Pratt-Booth has participated in the UK Holocaust Education Initiative and currently serves on the Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center’s Teacher Advisory Board.
“It is a profound honor to be counted among the teachers who have received this award before me. It is always surreal to be recognized for doing the right thing, and this award has inspired me to continue the journey of enriching student awareness and inspiring future generations to embrace the importance of education and civic engagement.”
UK Libraries is proud to honor Clements’ legacy through annual fellowships, awards, and events, all of which are made possible by the generous gifts of his daughter, Bess Clements Abell, her husband Tyler Abell, and their two sons, Dan and Lyndon. Bess and her family have been longtime supporters of UK Libraries, and their gifts ensure the continued promotion of the ideals that Clements championed.
The National Archives is an independent federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our government, so people can discover, use and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers and presidential libraries, and on the internet at www.archives.gov.
The Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center preserves the history of Kentucky politics and government and provides access to primary source materials pertaining to public policy and the US Congress. Utilized by scholars around the world, the collection has been recognized as one of the finest and most thorough public policy repositories in the United States. The Ford Center works closely with faculty with public policy teaching and research interests and collaborates with UK’s Martin School of Public Policy & Administration and the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center in Owensboro, Kentucky.
