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Holmes’ Shaunda Akemon wins statewide poster contest for Public Service Recognition Week


Winning poster by Shaunda Akemon  of Holmes High School

Winning poster by Shaunda Akemon of Holmes High School

Holmes High School’s Shaunda Akemon won the statewide Public Service Recognition Week poster competition in the 14-18 age group. The theme for this year’s contest was “Great People Doing Great Jobs.”

The winners were announced at a ceremony today at the state Capitol.

Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen and Personnel Cabinet Secretary Dinah Bevington praised the work and dedication of Kentucky’s public employees today at the event celebrating Public Service Recognition Week which is this week.

“From protecting our communities, ensuring the safety of our drinking water, supporting economic development and encouraging tourism, to improving the health of our citizens, we recognize the many ways in which government serves the people and how public employees make life better for all of us,” said Lt. Gov. Luallen.

“I know the hard work performed by our public employees, and the dedication they have shown during the Great Recession and its effect on the state budget has been tremendous. Our state workers are a priority, which is why we have been committed to increasing compensation as funds are available, and making sure their pensions are secure.”

A national celebration that began in 1985, Public Service Recognition Week is set aside to honor the men and women who serve as federal, state, county and local government employees.

Activities and events that recognize public employees are planned throughout the week, including the Governor’s Ambassador Awards ceremony, planned for Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Frankfort Convention Center. This annual event showcases state employees who positively impact the lives of others. Awards are presented in the areas of customer service, courage, leadership, professional achievement, teamwork, and community service and volunteerism.

Students throughout the state showed their appreciation to public employees by participating in the annual Public Service Recognition Week poster contest. More than 1,900 posters, created around the theme “Great people doing great jobs,” were submitted.

The 2015 winners are:

Age group: 6-9
Honorable mentions
Keeton Scott Turner, Joe Harrison Carter Elementary School, Tompkinsville
Griffin McElmurray, Hearn Elementary School, Frankfort

Winner
Paige Rakestraw, Dixon Elementary School, Slaughters

Age group: 10-13
Honorable mentions
Kelsie Jaden Evans, Menifee County Elementary School, Frenchburg
Rasia Graves, James T. Alton Middle School, Vine Grove

Winner
Mary Kate Rakestraw, Dixon Elementary School, Slaughters

Age group: 14-18
Honorable mentions
Shelby White, Washington County High School, Springfield
Sophie Cozzolino, North Bullitt High School, Shepherdsville

Winner
Shaunda Akemon, Holmes High School, Covington

“School students throughout the state are learning about civic responsibility and public service, and have shown appreciation to public employees by participating in the annual poster contest,” said Secretary Bevington, whose agency leads the week’s activities. “We invite all Kentuckians to join us in saying thank you for the care, dedication and hard work our public servants deliver.”

Visit the Personnel Cabinet’s website at https://personnel.ky.gov/pages/rewards.aspx to view the artwork of the poster contest winners and for additional information on Public Service Recognition Week.


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