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Honors Group Named Finalist in Knight Cities Challenge

By Jenny Wells

(Jan. 29, 2016) — A group of University of Kentucky Honors students has been selected as a finalist for the second year in a row in the Knight Cities Challenge. Funded by the Knight Foundation, the challenge is a national call for new ideas to make 26 communities around the country more vibrant places to live and work.  

Clay Thornton, an economics and political science sophomore from Lexington, submitted the proposal on behalf of his UK Honors class, "Citizen Kentucky," taught by Associate Professor Buck Ryan. They are now one of 158 finalists out of more than 4,500 submissions from many public and government organizations, design experts, urban planning organizations, and individuals. 

The students' proposal is "Fancy Lex," which would give Lexington residents an opportunity to meet local leaders while enjoying the city's finest food, music and local goods. While inspired by the annual Fancy Farm picnic in Graves County, Kentucky, Thornton says "Fancy Lex" would be much different.

“Fancy Farm is characterized by one-line zingers and tired partisan rhetoric that, ultimately, does not provide solutions," he said. "'Fancy Lex' is a new, innovative idea of engaging all people, whether already engaged in politics or not. It is not about elections. It is not about money. It is not about power and position. It is not about Democrats or Republicans. Fancy Lex is about our people. It is about the citizens of this unparalleled city. It is about our future. 'Fancy Lex' is for Lexington.”

Thornton says "Fancy Lex" would have a world's fair format, featuring 12 pavilions for each the city's 12 districts. 

“These pavilions will feature the best restaurants, shopping, and art offerings from each district," he said. "Most importantly, each city council member will be at the pavilions to meet with constituents.  It is designed to provide all citizens — rich and poor, young and old, well connected or marginally connected, educated and uneducated — an opportunity and voice in the political process, while celebrating all that Lexington has to offer.”

“Fancy Lex” was a finalist in last year’s Knight Cities Challenge as well. Thornton was the only student able to return from last year's team. His new teammates include Emilia Bustle, Molly Thompson, Blaire Johnson, and Torie Osborne.

Winners of the Knight Cities Challenge, who will receive a share of $5 million, will be announced this spring.

To learn more about “Fancy Lex,” visit Facebook.com/FancyLex or follow @fancy_lex on Twitter.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. 

The Honors Program is part of the Academy of Undergraduate Excellence within the Division of Undergraduate Education at UK.