LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools has recognized four community partners as recipients of the 2025-26 Golden Apple Awards, which honor outstanding volunteer contributions to the district, according to an announcement from FCPS.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky won the Business & Industry category after investing over $5 million through its "Driving Possibilities" initiative — the largest single private gift in FCPS history. The investment impacts more than 4,200 students across seven schools: Arlington, Garrett Morgan, Mary Todd, Northern, and Russell Cave elementaries, Winburn Middle, and Bryan Station High. Toyota leaders including Senior Communications Analyst Kim Sweazy volunteer in classrooms and participate in planning meetings to advance student success.

CivicLex won the Community & Nonprofit category for transforming civics education through hands-on engagement. The organization offers free workshops on local government and municipal budgets, Civics Expos, and pathways to the Kentucky Civic Seal, enabling students to analyze local issues and develop leadership skills.

Marty Jones, director of Housing Stability for Lexington's Community Action Council, received the Individual award for his work supporting students facing homelessness. Working with FCPS's McKinney-Vento staff, Jones coordinates emergency shelter, hotel placements, utility assistance, and transportation support for families in crisis.

Bluegrass Community & Technical College earned recognition in the Postsecondary category for serving as a bridge between K-12 education and workforce development. The institution aligns classroom instruction with regional employer needs and connects high school students to high-demand career pathways.

The honorees were recognized Sept. 17 during the annual Champions for Students fundraising event, organized by the nonprofit Fayette Education Foundation. Student co-hosts Grace Hellard of Lafayette High and Emmyus Granville of Bryan Station High presented the awards alongside Interim Superintendent Bill Bradford.