Voting is now open to select one winner among five finalists for the 2025 Beautify the Bluegrass Governor’s Award, an annual initiative presented by Kentucky Living, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives and the Kentucky Governor’s Office.
Beautify the Bluegrass honors exceptional projects that improve public spaces in Kentucky, uplifting communities and showcasing local pride. Efforts include park cleanups, public art installations and revitalized communal spaces. Launched in 2017, the initiative invites Kentuckians to choose the winner of the Governor’s Award.
“Thanks to Kentucky Living and Kentucky’s electric cooperatives for supporting community projects across the commonwealth,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said. “Congratulations to all the finalists and thank you to all the volunteers who work to improve our communities.”
Chosen from a standout field of dozens of nominations, this year’s Beautify the Bluegrass finalists demonstrate the community spirit driving lasting improvements across the commonwealth.
Irvin Schoolhouse Renovation
"The Bernard Sisters" Belinda Doty, Deneda Grider, Mellina Vaughan and Anissa Hammond, of Russell County, and the Irvin School House project.
Once abandoned and overgrown, the 100-year-old one-room Irvin Schoolhouse was transformed over four years by the family. The diligent renovations included a full restoration maintaining the integrity of the original space, accessibility upgrades, exterior decoration and landscaping. The historic property now serves as an intimate event venue for gatherings of all kinds.
Visit KentuckyLiving.com/beautify now through August 29th to learn more about this year’s projects, vote for their favorite finalist and see the impact of community pride in action.
Kentucky Electric Cooperatives, Kentucky Living magazine, and the Governor's Office invited the sisters to be recognized at the Beautify the Bluegrass Ceremony on Wednesday, October 8 at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce located at 464 Chenault Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601. The ceremony begins at 10:00amET, when all finalists will be recognized and the winner of the 2025 Beautify the Bluegrass Governor's Award will be announced
