Program works with industry and community to maximize student engagement and employment. Industry has a clear voice in program direction.
Strong partnerships at The Hub for Innovative Learning and Leadership amplify the meaningful work happening in our classrooms by aligning instruction with real industry needs.
Our bi-annual advisory meetings allow us to learn directly from partner expertise, strengthen career pipelines, and shape programs through collaborative input. Together, we expand work-based learning opportunities and ensure students graduate prepared to contribute with confidence and purpose in their chosen fields.
Chuck Adams
University of Kentucky Police
Logan Steele
University of Kentucky Police
Lora Estes
Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
Matthew Laney
Lexington Division of Police
Rachel Kennedy
Lexington Division of Police
Everett Hobson
Lexington Division of Police
Michelle Patton
Lexington Division of Police
James Fugate
Woodford County Sheriff's Office
Lindsey Hix
Kentucky Attorney General's Office
Kelly Rasche
Kentucky State Police
Robert Purdy
Kentucky State Police
The Lexington Police Explorer Program provides students with an introduction to a career in law enforcement or the criminal justice system. Designed for youth aged 14 to 21, Explorers learn through both classroom and field environments. The program not only provides firsthand experience in law enforcement but also offers students invaluable experiences in character building, leadership development, and community service.
We want to congratulate our Police Explorer Program Post #357, who competed in Winterfest 2026 in Gatlinburg. They won 1st place in the Honor Guard and Crisis Negotiation events, and 3rd place in the Cell Search and Uniform Inspection events!
Winterfest is a 2-day event featuring competitions, aquatic and STEM events, shooting sports, climbing, sports tournaments, and more! Many events are related to various career fields such as Fire Service, Law Enforcement, and EMS.
Private First Class Lauren Hunt is a 2020 graduate of Eastside Technical School and Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky. While in high school, Hunt competed in SkillsUSA contests with Eastside as a part of the Law Enforcement Program. She even earned 2nd place in Criminal Justice!
During high school, Hunt was also a part of the Lexington Police Explorers program. While a part of this group, she received the Public Service Medal following her response to an incident at a July 4th festival. Explorer Lt. Hunt observed a 5-year-old boy showing signs of heat stroke at the parade and took immediate action to care for him.
Following high school graduation, Lauren Hunt was recruited to Eastern Kentucky University for track. While there, she studied Sociology and Criminal Justice. While attending EKU, she completed Basic Training and AIT, becoming a Military Police Soldier with the National Guard. Following graduation, Hunt became a correctional officer in 2023 with Fayette County Community Corrections.
HILL students Willow Bolt and Levi Vissing were interviewed about the event in this WKYT video. They are also featured in the image below.
In September, Phoenix Park in downtown Lexington, KY, served as a central site for 9/11 remembrance. (The Lexington Police and Fire Memorial is located within Phoenix Park to honor local first responders.) Law Enforcement and Fire Fighting Science students from The HILL were in attendance for the memorial event. This memorial featured a wreath-laying ceremony with local fire and police personnel to honor victims and first responders.
The Lexington Fraternal Order of Firefighters also holds a related stair climb event at the University of Kentucky's Kroger Field for the community. The proceeds from this event fund the Lexington Police and Fire Memorial located in Phoenix Park in Lexington, KY. The Lexington Firefighter Combat Challenge team works in conjunction with the Lexington Fraternal order of Firefighters and The Fraternal order of Police, Bluegrass Lodge 4 in the upkeep and maintenance of the memorial grounds.
Our students pictured with Lexington's mayor, Linda Gorton.
Small Collection of Other News Articles & Links For Our Program
FIND OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM & SCHOOL ONLINE:
Law Enforcement Program Flyer
Program Marketing & Recruitment Plan
2026-27 School Program Brochure
The Law Enforcement and Fire Fighting Science programs have taken over the responsibility for the daily flag, or assumed custodianship of the school's flag protocol. They rotate the flag custodianship daily. This section displays some images of our students caring for The HILL's flag.
The HILL redefines education by engaging local employers in the development of the CTE curriculum, creating experiential learning opportunities, and career pathways. Business partnerships are essential to providing students with the tools they need for success.
The HILL uses a collaborative approach to develop strong partnerships and effective workforce development strategies, with our community partners at the table.
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The HILL has it's own Strategic Partnerships Manager, Sara Tracy. She is reachable at (859) 422-2122 ext. 61505.
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL'S STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER
HILL Team Member: Sara Tracy
Primary Function: Business, Industry & Postsecondary Partnerships
Builds and maintains strategic relationships with industry, postsecondary, and community partners to expand student access to real-world learning experiences.
Connects students to mentorships, guest speakers, collaborative projects, and postsecondary opportunities that enhance career exploration and workforce readiness.
Supports the development of new pathway collaborations, increasing visibility of The HILL and its impact across the region.
Collaborates with the Program Manager to ensure partnerships are meaningfully integrated into student learning, projects, and pathway experiences.
Facilitates corporate sponsorships that support student programs, events, and innovative learning opportunities aligned to The HILL’s mission.
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to enhance visibility and brand recognition for The HILL.
Fayette County Public Schools values the critical role that partners play in enriching our schools, students, and teachers. Strong ties to local businesses and community supporters are essential to a vibrant educational environment that fosters student success and high academic achievement.