During February, many school events and activities took place in Bourbon County. From celebrating diversity to awarding students, local schools made an effort to make the month count. February was a fun and eventful time for many students and teachers in Bourbon County.
For Black History Month, students in Ms. Ashley McCoy and Ms. Brooke Justice’s preschool class participated in several activities to celebrate the month. These inclusive activities encouraged children to practice kindness and to celebrate diversity. These activities not only are fun for the kids but also have valuable meaning behind them. It’s crucial to teach children to celebrate differences and who they are at an early age, and these activities have accomplished that goal.
One activity that students participated in was listening to book readings that taught valuable lessons about kindness and inclusivity. Former Paris City Commissioner, Anna Allen Edwards, volunteered to read the book, I Am Enough to the students. The book is an inspiring lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another. The book, Hair Love was also read to the class. The book provides a beautiful story of an African American dad and his daughter. It described the pride that he instilled in her regarding her hair and its ethnic challenges. The books showcased admirable examples of how to love who you are and to be kind to others.
Along with book readings, students also participated in creating a piece of abstract art. The art piece was inspired by Alma Thomas, an African American artist, who discovered her passion for abstract art in her 70’s. In addition to creating art, students were also allowed to create their self-portraits. These self-portraits included multicultural crayons that reflected the skin tones that they identified with.
These students were provided with a great opportunity where diversity, kindness, and acceptance were emphasized through fun activities. Creative and valuable activities, such as book reading and art, are effective ways to present lessons to kids whilst also creating fun moments for them.
Another local event was the “Colonel Spirit” awards that were given to 6 students at Bourbon County Middle School. Each award title was specific to the student it was given to, but all were awarded to students who showcased valuable qualities. The BCMS February Colonel Spirit recipients were: Tristan Crump, Audreonna Petitt, Jazlyn Auxier, Hayli Burberry, Kimberly Ruiz, and Preston Bates. These students achieved these awards by going above and beyond the expectations in their school.
