Beech Tree News Network

Two Butler County fifth grade students, Blake Bratcher (North Butler) and Case Hooten (MES)  were given a wonderful opportunity as they served as page for Senator C.B. Embry in the Senate chambers on March 8, 2018.   The two students were chosen to represent their schools after they submitted an application and essay to the Family Resource and Youth Service Centers Coalition of KY. 

Blake and Case were escorted by their families to the Capitol Annex in Frankfort, KY where they were greeted by members of the FRYSC Coalition.  There were several students representing 5^th through 12^th grades from across the state.They were then greeted by KY State Treasurer Allison Ball.Treasurer Ball welcomed all of the students to the state’s capital.She then proceeded to share her own journey of how she has become the youngest statewide female elected official in the country.  She stated that her interest in politics was peaked on a school field trip where she had the opportunity to serve as a page.  She also offered the students a variety of tips with students on making the most out of their experiences. 

After the greeting, Case and Blake were escorted to the Senate chambers where they checked in with the House Mother and given a tour of the Senate Chamber and provided instructions about their day’s duties.  Their families were given gallery passes that allowed them to observe the afternoon session from the gallery.  Soon after the students finished that routine check-in, they were greeted by Senator C.B Embry and the afternoons work began.  During the senate’s session, both Blake and Case were introduced and recognized by Senator Embry and participated in their assigned duties. 

At the end of the day, both boys agreed that they had a good day and had “Fun”. When asked what they liked best about the day, Blake answered, “running errands”.  Case agreed and said he “really liked the way they called Roll, I didn’t expect them to do that”.  The boys said it was “fun” to meet Senator Embry and Blake added, “He was really nice”.  They both liked the fact that everyone participated in the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer before the session began. When asked what they would like to share with the people of Butler County about their day, Blake said, “It was really fun to go up there and see what all goes on”.”

Blake is the son of Ben & Kelly Bratcher and Case is the son of Amy Hood and Bobbie Hooten.Both families agreed that it was a valuable learning experience for them all. 

Blake, Case and their families want to thank the Butler County Family Resource Center and the FRYSC Coalition of KY for providing this opportunity.They hope that next year other Butler County students get the opportunity to participate! To learn more about Butler County’s Family Resource and Youth Service Centers you may contact Melissa Glass, FRC Coordinator and Karla Coles, Youth Services Coordinator. Either can be reached through the Butler County school system.