Forward in the Fifth – a nonprofit organization created in 1986 by U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) to reverse southern and eastern Kentucky’s low educational attainment levels – will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Nov. 7 in Hazard with an awards luncheon and Unbridled Learning Educational Summit.

Educators, business leaders, parents and students from across the region will meet at Hazard Community and Technical College to celebrate the organization’s successes and discuss Kentucky’s top education issues.

The event is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. in the college’s First Federal Building, with a reception followed by an awards luncheon featuring Congressman Rogers. During the luncheon, Rogers will present “Difference Maker Awards” to five individuals who have worked to advance education in the region and throughout the state.

Following the luncheon, educators will participate in the Unbridled Learning Educational Summit where they will address some of the leading topics in education related to the passage of Kentucky Senate Bill 1 and Unbridled Learning, the state’s new public school assessment and accountability system.

Gene Wilhoit, executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and former Kentucky Commissioner of Education, will be the keynote speaker.

Concurrent sessions at the Educational Summit will center on topics such as common core standards, college and career readiness, dropout prevention, the new accountability system, and homeschooling.

For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Rhonda Lawson at (606) 677-6000.