We’ve launched the Appalachian Promise Photo Project with our first photo shoot of 4 lovely young ladies from Hazard High. The purpose of this project is to show the promise of the kids in the 17 KVEC ARI districts and ultimately to publish a book with the photos and brief descriptions of the kids dreams and passions. The project is to counteract the negative image many people across the country still have of these kids and show the future “promise” . Ultimately, it is my hope the project can be used as economic development marketing. We will create a Holler for the project and encourage teachers, administrators, students, etc. to join the Holler and participate in the project. Student voice will be key. We will need to raise money for the project over the course of the coming year. Contact me for more information. I am looking for students to photograph who are involved in pathways that will lead them to a fruitful and secure life. These can be kids in aerospace, robotics, music (including making their own instruments), computer programming, art, woodworking, medicine, engineering, etc. I’d like to paint a portrait that crosses a lot of lines! Our subjects will be kids with a vision of their future and a willingness to share their passions in a 2 paragraph essay that will accompany the photos.