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2023-2024 Student Leadership

Meet your 2023-2024 Educators Rising Kentucky Student Officers

Photo shows Educators Rising KY Student President, Janae Allen of Ballard High School (Jefferson County Public Schools).

Janae, the youngest and only daughter of three from Louisville, Kentucky, is a senior attending Ballard High School. She is currently completing her fourth dual credit class in the education pathway with UofL on her path to being the Secretary of Education of the United States. She has been an active participant with Educators Rising for three years and counting. She has listened to the insight, feedback, and opportunities provided by Educators Rising and understands the value of the program. Janae has participated in National Honors Society, Student Ambassadors, Dance Marron, Amped, Black Achievers, Women of Worth, the Principal Advisory Committee, Tutoring for Special Ed, and is Vice President of her senior class. Her background in leadership includes designing a classroom, vouching for an American Sign Language Class, and is currently working to improve the mental health support at her school. She maintains her health through recreational exercise and enjoys hobbies such as crocheting, reading, and sewing.

Hello, I am Lilly Hibbs your 23′-24′ state Vice President for Educators Rising. Recently, I spent my summer participating in the Kentucky School of Entrepreneurship as well as serving as an ambassador for the HOBY Leadership Program. I am a five year member of the Varsity Dancing Bravettes and look forward to serving as a leader this year. I will be attending my junior and senior year at Henderson Community College as part of the Early College Program. I cannot wait to serve my community and state as an officer once again!

Photo shows Educators Rising KY Student Vice President Lilly Hibbs of Union County High School.
Photo shows Educators Rising KY Student Director of Membership Kennedy Owens of Nelson County High School.

Hi, my name is Kennedy Grae Owens. I am a senior at Nelson County High School in Bardstown, Kentucky. I am a Beta Club member and Ambassador of RAK (Random Act of Kindness) Bardstown. This past year and through the summer I worked as a start strong assistant at afterschool/summer program in our district.  This school year I will be participating in work-based experience in the diverse learning field at one of our local elementary schools. My passion is teaching minds of all kinds. I enjoy summers days at the lake, time with my family and my best fur friend, Baylee.

Hi, my name is Anna-Beth Cook and this year I will be serving as the Director of Communications. I am a senior at Lincoln County High School. I have been a part of Educators Rising for 3 years so far. I went to nationals this year and placed second for impromptu speaking. Some things I enjoy are playing tennis, baking, and reading.

Photo shows Educators Rising KY Student Director of Communications Anna-Beth Cook of Lincoln County High School.
Photo shows Educators Rising KY Student Director of Service and Community Outreach Philena Ash of Bullitt Central High School.

Hi, my name is Philena Ash. I’m 16 and a junior at Bullitt Central High School. I love being outside and volunteering in my community. And I can’t wait to see what this year has for me as Director of Service and Community Outreach.