Manns receives Henry Clay Cup for Exemplary Service in Civic Education
Glenn Manns
Photos
Glenn Manns, a regional social studies consultant with the Kentucky Dept. of Education, received the McConnell Center’s inaugural Henry Clay Cup for Exemplary Service in Civic Education.
The April 4 ceremony also recognized more than 500 Kentucky teachers who have participated in the center’s civic education programs over the past 11 years.
“Over the last decade, I think it is fair to say that there has been no one in Kentucky who has done more and served so tirelessly the cause of civic education than Glenn Manns,” said Dr. Gary Gregg, director of the McConnell Center.
Manns has directed and coordinated several statewide civics initiatives for Kentucky, as well as worked internationally to share and implement teaching curriculum in other countries’ civics frameworks.
“Glenn has been the single reason we still have programs for Kentucky high school like ‘We The People.’ He has been the driving force with the Kentucky Council for Social Studies. He is the reason AP U.S. History Saturdays have served Kentucky students,” Gregg said at the event. “Frankly we would be here all evening if I listed the programs he has created, implemented or sustained, mostly without pay or accolade.”
Manns served as a social studies classroom teacher and history curriculum specialist for the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative prior to working with KDE. He earned a history degree from Berea College and a master’s degree in school administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
Manns, who thought he was invited to the event to speak about the impact of the center’s civic programs, was surprised to receive the award.
“I didn’t expect this at all. Thank you,” Manns said. “I’m just very overwhelmed. I think the McConnell Center and the folks who work there, in particular, embody what true civic virtue and learning are about. I also think that’s why you have such fiercely devoted teachers in your programs.”
The Henry Clay Cup, designed by Flame Run Glass artist Brook White, is a limited edition mint julep cup. The award is a symbol of the appreciation for individuals who have spent large portions of their careers dedicated to furthering social studies and civic education in Kentucky.
– GlyptusAnn Grider Jones