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History

KYCEC Overview

According to KYCEC’s historical archives, The Kentucky Derby Chapter, originally the Louisville and Jefferson County Chapter of the International Council for Exceptional Children, Chapter # 005, was organized in April of 1945 at George H. Tingley School in Louisville by Miss Alice Clark.  There were twenty members in this chapter, which was only the 5th CEC Chapter in the country at the time.  Dues were $1.50, and the meetings were held in the Louisville area.  The first President was Mrs. Forrest Hendershot.  This chapter was very influential in the advocacy of children with exceptionalities in Kentucky.  They received several Awards of Excellence from the Council for Exceptional Children. 

In 1955, Mary May Wyman organized the Kentucky Federation of Chapters and Divisions, Chapter # 234, and served as its first president.  The Mary May Wyman award is given by KY CEC to honor the member who has shown consistently unselfish service in promoting the education and welfare of children with exceptionalities in Kentucky.

 

Judge Executive Mitch McConnell of Jefferson County signed the proclamation naming the week of May 13  - 20 Exceptional Children’s Week in Jefferson County.  Judy Ashmore of Kentucky became the first classroom teacher ever to be elected as 1st Vice-President of Council for Exceptional Children.

On March 18, the Articles of Incorporation were approved for the Kentucky Federation of Chapters and Divisions of the Council for Exceptional Children in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  A very dedicated group of special educators worked together throughout Kentucky to form this group, which is now the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children.  Since this time, all of the Chapters and Divisions throughout the state work together to provide leadership and advocacy on behalf of children and youth with exceptionalities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

KYCEC assisted with hosting the 2007 CEC National Convention in Louisville, KY.  A Kick Off Derby Party celebration was held at the 2006 CEC Convention in Salt Lake City.  The Certificate of Special Recognition was given to KYCEC by the Honorable John Warmuth, 3rd District.

Past Presidents

History of KYCEC

Last Updated:  18 January, 2021

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