laser Program participants and leaders stand infront of FC SMedia Wall in board room.

L.A.S.E.R. Students Connect with Local Leaders to Build a Brighter Frankfort

SP

October 29, 2025

L.A.S.E.R. Students Connect with Local Leaders to Build a Brighter Frankfort

Students at the board table

October 30th, 2025 | Frankfort, KY — Students in Franklin County Schools’ L.A.S.E.R. program (Leadership, Accountability, Service, Engagement, and Readiness) had the opportunity today to meet with a dynamic group of community leaders, gaining firsthand insight into the skills and mindsets that drive Frankfort’s business and civic success.

Students doing a grounding exercise with Tish in the board room.

The L.A.S.E.R. initiative—envisioned by Superintendent Mark Kopp and supported by Matt Osborne, Director of Instruction, and Charles Lewis, Director of College and Career Readiness—equips students with the leadership tools they need to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce. The program is designed to align student growth with the evolving needs of the Frankfort business community.

Frankfort State Journal prints on a tableToday’s event brought L.A.S.E.R. students together with a panel of inspiring community leaders who generously shared their insights, experiences, and encouragement. Students engaged in thoughtful dialogue with Hannah Brown of the Frankfort State Journal, offering feedback on recent articles and asking questions—including a discussion about the future of the Singing Bridge.

Tish holds a copy of her chambers magazine. Students are looking at her.

They also participated in grounding activities led by Tish Shade of the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce, focused on teamwork and essential soft skills for the workplace. The day concluded with an energetic media session led by Paisley Dunn-Banks of Seven Mountains Media, where students learned how to craft engaging digital content and even created a TikTok video to showcase their experience.

Hannah Brown presents to the students

Our Western Hills students who are involved with the program include the following:

  • Alleigh Manning

  • Derek Rayborn

  • Kloe Bowles

  • Keira Basham

  • Teddy Redmon

  • Kenyon Castillo

  • Zay Wainscott

  • Sam Durham

  • Will Durham

  • Keegan Wolf-Wood

Local Leaders in board room. Trae, Keelie, Cassie, Andrea, Paisley, Tish, and Janice

Today's local leaders included:

  • Andrea Giusti, EXPREE Credit Union

  • Trae Faulkner, Everybody Counts

  • Keelie Jolly, FRYSC at Western Hills High School

  • Hannah Brown, Frankfort State Journal

  • Paisley Dunn-Banks, Morning Host, FROGGY/Seven Mountains Media

  • Janice Purvis, Administrative Assistant, Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce

  • Carissa Horn, Counselor, Western Hills High School

  • Tish Shade, President, Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce (Lead Facilitator)

“This is more than a leadership program—it’s a bridge between our students and the future of Frankfort,” said Matt Osborne. “We’re proud to see our students learning directly from those who are currently shaping our community.”

Frankfort Area Chamber folder and name tag for Will Durham

The L.A.S.E.R. program continues to grow as a model of collaboration between education and industry, preparing students not only to succeed, but to lead with purpose.

“Our students deserve every opportunity to succeed—and that’s exactly what the L.A.S.E.R. program is designed to provide,” said Tish Shade, President of the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about the L.A.S.E.R. program or to become involved with the mission, visit https://www.frankfortky.info/laser-program.

Progress 2025 Magazine from the State Journal

#courage | #oneteamfcs