Secretary of State
Jamestown Elementary Students Commissioned as Commonwealth Ambassadors

(Jamestown, KY) – With students around the country becoming more disengaged in their communities, Beckie Godby’s class of students at Jamestown Elementary demonstrated that there are some students who care about what their government says and does.  In fact, the class crafted legislation that they recommended to the state legislature as part of their coursework in the Project Citizen curriculum.  The students convinced one of the legislature’s most powerful legislative leaders, Rep. Jeff Hoover (R-Jamestown), to sponsor the bill and saw the legislation pass out of the House of Representatives.  While the legislation did not receive final passage, their efforts caught the eye of Secretary of State Trey Grayson who has long advocated for students to become more engaged with their government.  For their efforts, Grayson traveled to Jamestown to commission each of the students as Commonwealth Ambassadors.

            “What these students achieved is tremendous.  They found an issue, studied it, and found what they believed to be an appropriate solution.  To see them work so hard for this bill is certainly encouraging about the future of Kentucky,” stated Secretary Grayson.

            Grayson recently signed an executive order creating the Commonwealth Ambassadors in order to recognize youth who demonstrate exceptional character and citizenship through their contributions to the community, state, or nation.  The students at Jamestown are the first recipients of the award.

            “I think that it is incumbent upon our current leaders to encourage students to discuss issues of the day and to advocate for what they believe is important,” commented Grayson.  “That is why we created these awards and that is why I am appreciative of leaders such as Rep. Hoover who will take the time to listen to students and their concerns.  Rep. Hoover has definitely made a lasting impact on the lives of these students, and he serves as a model for other elected officials.”

            Grayson also presented a Kentucky Colonel commission to Ms. Godby for her outstanding efforts and achievements in education.  Grayson noted that without her dedication and effort towards the students, the legislation would probably not be possible.

            If someone knows of other students who deserve to be commissioned a Commonwealth Ambassador, Grayson encouraged them to contact his office by visiting the Office of the Secretary of State website at www.sos.ky.gov.

            “We want students to be recognized for the outstanding work that they do.  Students like Ms. Godby’s class are the future of Kentucky.  We must do all that we can to nurture them into outstanding citizens and leaders,” concluded Grayson.

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