If we want to make Kentucky the best place to be young, we need to create a Kentucky where kids have an abundance of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). In the 2024 Kentucky KIDS COUNT Data Book, Kentucky Youth Advocates not only shares the latest statewide and county-level data on child well-being, we also dive into the disproportionate impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on Kentucky kids, progress on efforts to mitigate those impacts, and the power of supportive community environments and positive experiences in building resilience.

As part of the 2024 Data Book, Kentucky young people shared how positive experiences helped them navigate and overcome hard times (pages 14-15). Two of those young people, Aleah and Issabella, joined us for the press conference launching the 2024 Data Book — watch them in action in this Facebook Live stream and read their remarks below. 

A message from Aleah, Boyle County:

I am Aleah Stigall, a 16-year old from Boyle County and a Kentucky Health Youth Ambassador through the Kentucky Youth Advocates. 

Mentorship is a simple, yet life-changing word that impacted my childhood and is impacting me now. Growing up, I was jealous of my peers and their relationships with their siblings. They all shared funny stories and played fun games together. As an only child, I developed a strong appreciation of the people I did surround myself with. Along with being an only child, I struggled with my social skills due to my speech issues and learning disability. I was always different than my peers, not just because of my lack of siblings, but my difference in learning. Through pageantry, I have not only gained mentors, I have gained sisters. 

Pageantry brought me out of my shell and introduced me to people who accepted me for who I am. Laura and Chapel, 2 of my favorite Miss Kentucky titleholders, taught me determination and leadership skills, even at age 8. They have shown me how to carry myself and positively impact my community. Two other Miss Kentucky sisters, Mallory and Hannah, taught me how to be a strong Kentucky Health Youth Ambassador.

I strive to learn from my mentors’ experiences and mistakes. They push me to be better and to make a bigger impact on the state of Kentucky. Through the Miss Kentucky Opportunity, I am given the ability to be a mentor to the younger generation. Because of the incredible mentors from my youth, I am now equipped with the skills to impact today’s children positively. My self-created initiative, Disconnect To Connect- Let’s Get Real, strives to teach students how to have real relationships with real people without technology. This goes hand in hand with developing strong connections with mentors, so one can learn new skills throughout childhood and even in adulthood. 

I would not be able to stand here speaking to you today if it were not for the amazing mentors I have gained through pageantry. Mentorship has forever changed my life. Now it’s my turn to help future generations by being a positive mentor to them.

A message from Issabella, Graves County:

My name is Issabella Cornett, and I am a senior at Graves County High school. Throughout my childhood, positive experiences have been made by the access to reliable healthcare and the constant support of my teachers, friends, family and medical team. These positive resources have been essential in allowing me to navigate major health challenges including chronic migraines, kidney disease, various allergies and many others. Despite these challenges, consistent medical care and guidance have empowered me to lead an active and fulfilling life, engage in school activities and build meaningful relationships with my community.

What truly stands out about my journey is the resilience I have developed throughout these challenges. My healthcare providers didn’t just treat my symptoms but they also taught me how to cope and stay positive. This showed me that things in life are really what you make them to be. Learning how to navigate these health issues while maintaining a sense of stability has shaped who I am today. The resilience I built through these experiences also inspired me to become more involved in my school and community.

As a member of the Graves County ASAP, which is the Agency for Alcohol and Substance Abuse and Policy Prevention, I have taken on a leadership role in promoting substance use prevention among my peers. I believe that the lessons I learned about self-care, resilience, and seeking help when needed can also be applied to overcoming the pressures that come with adolescence. Just as I learned to cope with my health struggles, I now encourage others to see support and make healthy decisions for themselves. In doing so, I hope to inspire a sense of empowerment and help my peers realize that they, too, can thrive in the face of challenges.

These experiences have not only shaped my personal growth but also fueled my passion for helping others. Throughout my involvement with Graves County ASAP, I’ve witnessed firsthand how creating a supportive environment can make a real difference in the lives of others. As I look ahead to the future, I am committed to continuing this work, advocating for health and wellness, and encouraging others to take charge of their well-being. The resilience I’ve developed from overcoming my own challenges drives me to inspire others to build their own strength, face adversity with confidence, and embrace the resources that can help them thrive. My journey has taught me that with the right guidance and a strong support network, we all have the potential to overcome obstacles and create positive and meaningful change in our lives.

To summarize what I’ve said, my journey underscores the critical role healthcare plays in fostering positive childhood experiences. Access to consistent medical care, guidance from healthcare providers and the availability of resources are key factors to helping children overcome health challenges and live fulfilling lives. With the right healthcare support, children can develop the confidence and skills needed to thrive, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

Access the 2024 Data Book, county data profiles, and the new interactive County Data Dashboard featuring state data disaggregated by race/ethnicity and county and school district data at www.kyyouth.org/kentucky-kids-count/.

The 2024 Kentucky KIDS COUNT Data Book was made possible with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Kentucky KIDS COUNT sponsors, including Aetna® Better Health of Kentucky, Kosair for Kids®, Kentucky United Methodist Children’s Homes, Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, and WKU LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Any findings and conclusions presented in this report are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Annie E. Casey Foundation or other supporters.