Four Gateway Academy students are gaining invaluable hands-on experience while making a meaningful difference in their community through the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence’s Kentucky Community School Initiative. By serving as tutors and role models at Freedom Elementary, these students are applying their skills, passion, and knowledge to support education and child development.
Students L to R: Antonio Catlett, Sydney Knight, Ginger Pryor (not pictured: Aniyah Lewis)
The students—Antonio Catlett, a Teaching and Learning pathway student from Christian County High School; Sydney Knight and Aniyah Lewis, Health Science pathway students from Gateway Academy and Christian County High School; and Ginger Pryor, a Family and Consumer Science scholar from Gateway Academy and Hopkinsville High School—are combining their classroom learning with real-world applications. Their work at Freedom Elementary provides crucial academic support to younger students through one-on-one and small group tutoring, while also assisting teachers with classroom management.
Each of these students exemplifies Christian County Public Schools’ Profile of a Graduate by developing essential skills for their futures. Antonio, Sydney, Ginger, and Aniyah are honing their ability to communicate effectively, building relationships with students and staff, and acting as dependable role models. They demonstrate initiative by stepping into their roles with accountability and reliability, qualities that will serve them well in any career. These opportunities also allow them to practice leadership, safety awareness, and adaptability, building a strong foundation for future success.
This initiative is supported by the Community Schools Grant, part of a five-year effort funded by the U.S. Department of Education and led by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. The grant focuses on removing barriers to learning by creating community schools that address student and family needs through four pillars: active family and community engagement, expanded learning opportunities, integrated supports, and collaborative leadership. At Freedom Elementary, the Gateway students are putting these principles into action by supporting learning, building connections, and fostering an environment of growth and collaboration.
Programs like this highlight the power of partnerships between high schools, community organizations, and elementary schools. By participating in the Fusion Work-Based Learning Program, students not only gain hands-on experience but also make a lasting impact on their community. These real-world opportunities prepare them to pursue careers in education, healthcare, and family services while encouraging them to give back to others along the way.
Christian County Public Schools would like to thank the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and Freedom Elementary for providing this meaningful opportunity to our students. Their dedication to mentoring and collaboration ensures that students like Antonio, Sydney, Ginger, and Aniyah are well-prepared to excel in their futures while making a positive difference in the lives of others.
For more information about the Fusion Work-Based Learning Program or to explore partnership opportunities, contact:
Kelly L. Gates
Workforce Programs Specialist
Kelly.Gates@christian.kyschools.us
270-887-7030
Great work, Antonio, Sydney, Ginger, and Aniyah, for your dedication and hard work at Freedom Elementary. Your efforts are a shining example of how community-driven education can impact lives and inspire success.
