Paducah Power Systems Recognized For Support of WKCTC

Paducah Power System was among 27 benefactors recognized at the annual Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Dinner in Louisville October 1.

The annual dinner, hosted by KCTCS President Jay Box and members of the KCTCS Foundation, brings together college, business and state leaders to recognize KCTCS colleges’ most committed supporters and donors. Paducah Power was selected as West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s benefactor for recognition by KCTCS for 2016. More than 300 individuals from across the state attended the dinner. 

Paducah Power System is a charter donor of WKCTC’s Community Scholarship Program (CSP), which is designed to increase the high school graduation rate and the college-going rate in McCracken County by providing gap funding to help students attain a two-year degree or industry certification at WKCTC. The company has donated $150,000 since the program began in 2010 and continued its commitment to the program with an additional pledge. 

In his first official activity as WKCTC’s new president, Dr. Anton Reece joined Paducah Power System Board Chair Hardy Roberts and Andrea Underwood, director of community relations and marketing at PPS, as they were recognized on stage during the dinner. Dr. Reece said the support from benefactors like Paducah Power is essential in continuing to offer opportunities for students to go to college, graduate and enter the workforce. "Paducah Power's philanthropic recognition serves as an important example of timely and outstanding community economic and education partnership, which supports our area youth and their future career path,” Dr. Reese said.

Bringing public power to the citizens of Paducah/McCracken County since September 1, 1961, Paducah Power System has been committed to improving the lives of Paducah and McCracken County citizens through its investment in the community, especially in the area of education, said Gary Zheng, Paducah Power president/CEO. “Our continued support of the Community Scholarship Program is just one example of our desire to grow and strengthen the community we serve,” Zheng said.