The FIS District Newsletter for the week of 4.21.25 is HERE. Click on the link below or scan the QR code to access this week's edition.
https://secure.smore.com/n/wmkj1
NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Contact: Kim Welch
Phone: 859-338-8142
kim.welch@ky.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2025
Gavin Proffitt Named GEAR UP Student of the Year for Frankfort High School
Frankfort High School was in the spotlight at the 2025 GEAR UP Kentucky Institute for a College-Going Culture, held April 16 at The Campbell House in Lexington.
Senior Gavin Proffitt was named the 2024–25 GEAR UP Kentucky Student of the Year for Frankfort High School, one of just 12 students recognized statewide. Proffitt earned this distinction through strong academic standing, leadership as a GEAR UP Student Ambassador, and consistent support of peers both in and beyond GEAR UP programming.
Proffitt plans to study engineering.
“GEAR UP matters to me because it gives me the opportunity every day to make my school a better place,” said Proffitt. “It gives me the opportunity to collaborate with people that have similar goals and mindsets as I do to showcase what it looks like to be a real leader in the high school setting. GEAR UP has presented many opportunities for growth throughout my high school career and is the door to difference making in my community.”
GEAR UP Kentucky (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a statewide, federally-funded grant program administered by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Its mission is to increase the number of students from low-income Kentucky communities who are ready to succeed in education after high school. The program places college and career advisors in schools to provide academic advising, college and career exploration, FAFSA and financial aid support, college visits and summer programs, and leadership opportunities—starting as early as seventh grade.
Frankfort High School has been a GEAR UP Kentucky partner since 2018 and has seen significant gains throughout the grant cycle, including:
• The percentage of graduates enrolling in college increased 10 percentage points (59% to 69%) and exceeded Kentucky’s statewide college-going rate every year by at least 17 percentage points.
• 83% of seniors have completed a FAFSA since 2019, with school FAFSA completion rates exceeding statewide and national rates by at least 16 percentage points each year.
• 78% of seniors applied to college since 2019.
• 530 students received more than 5,303 hours of advising and more than 300 students participated in 31 college campus visits and/or job-industry tours.
“This year’s recognition of our students of the year was especially meaningful since they were juniors and seniors we have supported for several years,” said Kim Welch, Executive Director of GEAR UP Kentucky. “We have watched them grow into confident, capable young adults who are well prepared for whatever comes next—whether that’s a certification, a two-year college, or a four-year university.”
Jayme Boswell, a Special Education Teacher at Frankfort High School, was named the 2024–25 GEAR UP Kentucky Champion of the Year, one of just 12 school and district staff recognized statewide. Boswell was honored for her tireless commitment to student success and support of the GEAR UP mission.
The event at The Campbell House marked the final convening of the current seven-year GEAR UP Kentucky grant. As it closes, schools like Frankfort High School celebrate not only milestones achieved, but a strong college-going culture built for years to come.
“This recognition is more than just a celebration of the past year—it’s a testament to what can happen when we invest early and consistently in students’ futures,” said Sherri Satterly, superintendent of Frankfort Independent Schools. “GEAR UP Kentucky has helped us build a foundation that will continue to guide our students long after this grant cycle ends.”
For more information about GEAR UP Kentucky, visit www.gearupky.org.
Student photo: Kit Carter, GEAR UP Kentucky College and Career Coach; Gavin Proffitt; Mark Pressley, GEAR UP Kentucky District Program Manager
Champion photo: Kit Carter, GEAR UP Kentucky College and Career Coach; Jayme Boswell; Mark Pressley, GEAR UP Kentucky District Program Manager
Our Lady Cubs travel to Boyle County today!
The Panthers are on the road again this morning!
It's a beautiful day to come out to State Stadium and support our Lady Panthers!
Congrats to Second Street School for receiving the Numeracy Counts grant!
#WeAreFrankfort
Can you believe it's time to think about graduation??? Our Frankfort High Seniors have an exciting lineup of traditions and send-offs as they prepare to graduate. Save these dates!
Our Panthers travel to Henry Clay tonight!
This week Frankfort High School's FBLA chapter attended the State Leadership Conference in Louisville. Congratulations to sophomore Maria Romero for placing 4th in Introduction to Information Technology and qualifying for the National Leadership Conference in California!
Any student interested in wrestling at FHS, please join us for an open mat opportunity! This is open to students who are currently in grades 6-11, males and females!
If you plan to attend, please complete the form below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebTDU07NLE39YGrWgJbUmjEzkM6FkWP-Y99mSIyJfgctAJtQ/viewform?usp=sharing
SSS Boys Soccer will play at Elkhorn this afternoon!
SSS Girls Soccer will host Lexington Latin this evening!
FHS Baseball will host the Royals of Mason County this evening!
Good luck to FHS Tennis today! They will travel to Anderson County!
SSS Softball will be traveling to Williamstown today!
District Softball happening at State Stadium this evening!
We are so proud of our FHS students who were recognized today at the KSU Honors Convocation for making the Honor Roll and Deans List through their dual credit courses! Way to go, Panthers!
Way to go, Panthers!
