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Around the Region: April 25

Posted on 11 months ago
around-the-region

Check out the happenings in Eastern Kentucky this week!

SOAR launches application for first ever Appalachian Nursing Academy 

appalachiannursingacademy

SOAR will host its first Appalachian Nursing Academy this summer!

In partnership with the University of Pikeville and Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG KY), SOAR has put together a fun filled, educational two weeks for high school students. 

Students will spend two weeks participating in numerous workshops, presentations, and activities designed to help them develop the skills needed to be successful applicants to nursing programs. Students will also be paired with a mentor who will work with them during the summer program and through the following school year, serving as a source of guidance and knowledge.

The program is of no cost to the students applying. They will be housed at the University of Pikeville and all meals will be included. Students will also receive a $1,500 scholarship upon completing the program. 

Any high school junior or senior in any of the 53 ARC Appalachian counties is eligible to apply now. The application deadline is May 13. 

Appalachia Kentucky Main Street programs recognized 

Thursday, April 28, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined leaders from the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet along with state and local officials to recognize 17 Kentucky Main Street communities for their efforts to foster economic vitality and job creation through historic preservation.

“Kentucky Main Streets serve as the heart of our communities and highlight the small businesses that represent the culture and uniqueness of the commonwealth,” Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Mike Berry said. “The economic impact that Kentucky Main Streets reported last year illustrates just how incredibly vital every community is to the future of Kentucky, and why we must continue to support efforts to redevelop and invest in both rural and urban Kentucky.” 

The Kentucky Main Street program consists of 28 communities. Lt Gov. Coleman recognized Main Street communities for their outstanding efforts in economic vitality, promotion, historic preservation and adaptive reuse, volunteerism, local Main Street partnership and Spirit of Main Street. Some of our Appalachian communities recognized were: 

  • Awards for Economic Vitality: 
    • Pikeville Main Street 
    • London Downtown
  • Outstanding Main Street Partner Award:
    • First National Bank of Manchester-London, London Main Street
  • Spirit of Main Street Awards:
    • Teresa Mays, Beattyville Main Street Director

Congratulations to all these amazing people and organizations for working to create more growth in Eastern Kentucky! 

Accelerator provides opportunity to SOAR clients 

Two SOAR innovation clients, Boxvana and Spinning Wheel Technologies, were chosen to participate in the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation’s DOD SBIR/STTR Accelerator! 

Both startups will participate in an eight-week accelerator program. At the end of the program, they will submit their proposals for review.

SOAR would like to congratulate Boxvana and Spinning Wheel Technologies on their acceptances. We have no doubt they will represent Eastern Kentucky well! 

Space is a MSU kind of place! 

The Lunar IceCube is getting ready for launch! 

And with it, so is the hard work of several Morehead State University students! 

The students at Morehead built the satellite, but their journey doesn’t end there. Once the satellite is launched, students and staff will start collecting data from the Lunar IceCube as well as five other satellites. 

The Lunar IceCube’s mission aboard Artemis I is to orbit the moon and look for water. Its job is to determine where the water is and how much there is. 

To read more about the Lunar IceCube, click HERE. 

McFaddin officially installed as EKU President

David McFaddin was officially installed as Eastern Kentucky University’s 14th President during an installation ceremony on April 29. 

McFaddin has served as president since August 2020.  He was unanimously selected as president after serving in the interim role in December 2019. 

A native of Johnson County, one university regent described McFaddin as someone with “mountain swagger.”

We couldn’t agree more, and we are proud of one of our native sons. 

East Kentucky Leadership Conference wraps up in Pikeville

eastkentuckyleadershipconference

The East Kentucky Leadership Foundation held its annual conference in Pikeville on April 28-29 at the Appalachian Wireless Arena.  The event culminated in the East Kentucky Leadership Awards Banquet. 

Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Givernor Andy Beshear, was the keynote speaker. 

This year’s awards recipients were:

  • Marlana Vanhoose | Arts and Culture
  • Daryl Maynard | Media and Technology
  • Justin Maxson | Public Individual
  • Bishop Willie Lamb | Crolyn Sundy Leadership Award
  • University of Pikeville | Tony Turner Award
  • Drew Hurley | Youth Leadership
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