LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — When students return to Kentucky's schools in the fall, most will be doing so with their noses and mouths covered by a mask. It'll take some getting used to, but it doesn't have to be a bad thing. Some would argue it can be cool.
"We thought let's do a mask campaign," said Nancy Hutchinson, the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation CEO. "Our audience is young kids, middle school kids and high school students. Get them thinking it could be cool to wear a mask," she continued.
To accomplish that goal, KEDC launched a state-wide competition, allowing students from grades K-12 to submit their designs for a mask. Three winners will come from three different age groups, with each receiving a $100.00 Visa gift card.
Of course, there will still be some detractors, who don't feel like their child should have to wear a mask, but KEDC is hopeful that they too will come around.
"(Hoping) that our parents understand that it makes a difference in keeping their child safe," Hutchinson said.
In some cases where there are sensory issues involving the child or breathing-related conditions, such as asthma, the state will be making necessary accommodations.
"Sometimes, those issues are bigger than COVID. I think Governor Beshear brought that up, and I think it's valid," Hutchinson said.
But for everyone else, it's time to get to work and get those creative juices flowing!
"We're thinking to be as creative as you want to be. Get it to where it's cool, and they want to wear a mask," Hutchinson adds.
To submit a video contact Carla Kersey at carla.kersey@kedc.org or call/text at (606) 620-8253.
