Brook Nordstrom, Lone Oak High School, Paducah

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2012) – Governor Steve Beshear has proclaimed the week of Oct. 1 as Public Service Recognition Week in Kentucky.  Initiated nationally in 1985, the celebration honors the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees. 

“This week is a time to recognize public servants who work each and every day to keep our communities safe, care for our less fortunate, support our service members, maintain our infrastructure, and provide crucial services to our families,”  Beshear said.  “We invite all Kentuckians to join us in saying thank you for the care, dedication and hard work our public servants deliver on our behalf.”

School students throughout the state have shown their appreciation to public employees by submitting over 1,800 posters for the annual Public Service Recognition poster contest.  The 2012 winners (below) attended today’s ceremony, where they were recognized by Gov. Beshear and Personnel Cabinet Secretary Tim Longmeyer.

    Jade-Madison Turner, Age Group: 6-9
    Tompkinsville Elementary, Tompkinsville

    Mackenzie Ezell, Age Group: 10-13
    King Middle School, Harrodsburg

    Brooke Nordstrom, Age Group: 14-18
    Lone Oak High School, Paducah

“This week is devoted to thanking public employees for their unwavering spirit to work harder and serve greater, in a time when budgets are tight and we are all doing more with less,” said Longmeyer.  “Participation is easy. Take a few minutes to do one of the most significant and simplest things – say thank you. It will be appreciated.”

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