Bill Kite, the band director at Henry Clay High School, has received the 2014 John R. Bryden Great Teacher Award from the Rotary Club of Lexington. The $1,000 award, which is made possible in part by a grant from the Steele-Reese Foundation, is presented in memory of longtime Rotarian and scholarship committee member Jack Bryden. Kite was selected based on the nomination essay by student James Piper. “While most teachers have a compulsory curriculum, Bill Kite has formulated his own: to improve the lives of students through music,” James wrote. He also cited three life lessons Kite has shared: commitment, resiliency and how doing what you love makes you happy.
Kite, who has taught at Henry Clay for nine years, earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Rank II certification from the University of Kentucky. He directs the marching band, jazz ensemble and wind ensemble at Henry Clay. “What I enjoy most is watching the students grow and mature as people, knowing you have a role in what they can become,” said Kite, the son of K-12 teachers.
Outstanding students also were recognized at the April 17 awards program at Fasig-Tipton. This year’s Rotary Scholar, who receives a $5,000 scholarship, is Valerie Sarge of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. A 16-year-old senior with a 4.0 GPA, Valerie earned the highest possible score on the ACT and a perfect “5” on 12 of the 13 Advanced Placement exams she has taken. The Rotary Club also named one senior from each school to the All-Fayette County High School Academic Team. These honorees from FCPS each receive a $700 scholarship: Peyton Thomas of Bryan Station, Leo de Castro of Henry Clay, Marie Armbruster of Lafayette, Ryan Draper of Dunbar and Christa Newman of Tates Creek. Ryan also was awarded the W. Emmet Milward Julep Cup as the team member who distinguished himself in extracurricular activities, honors, organizations and service.