LEXINGTON, Ky. — Members of the Fayette County community have planned several events in the coming days to honor the late FCPS Superintendent Emmanuel (Manny) Caulk and celebrate his life.
Students, colleagues, and community members are invited to honor and celebrate Caulk's life in the handful of planned events, including a student-led candlelit vigil, drive-thru visitation, and celebration of life. Full details can be found below.
Caulk passed away on Friday, Dec. 4 after announcing he'd take a temporary medical leave to focus on his health.
Dr. Marlene Helm, serving as acting FCPS Superintendent, sent an email to families Friday night sharing the news.
"Manny believed and worked tirelessly to ensure access and opportunity for all FCPS students, knowing that excellence was the penultimate goal," Helm said.
The details of Caulk's celebration of life events, provided by FCPS Spokesperson Lisa Deffendall, are listed below:
Student-Led Candlelit Vigil
Friday, Dec. 11 | 5:30 P.M. | 701 EAST MAIN STREET
Students from across Fayette County are coordinating a candlelight vigil outside of the old central office building on Friday evening. Flameless candles will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring flowers and will have the opportunity to write a message on cards available on site.
There will be a brief program and opportunity for individuals to share their experiences and thoughts about Caulk. FCPS said parking will be a challenge, so plan accordingly. Social distancing between households and masks will be required.
DRIVE THRU VISITATION
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | First Baptist Church Bracktown, 3016 Bracktown Road
With the health of the community in mind concerning COVID-19, the public is invited to pay their respects to Superintendent Manny Caulk during a drive thru visitation celebrating his life. For the safety of those participating, it is recommended that participants not carpool with anyone outside of their household.
There will no opportunity to stop or get out of your vehicle. Student representatives from FCPS high schools will serve as honorary pallbearers during the event.
Cars should begin lining up near the entrance to Masterson Station Park near the intersection of Leestown Road and Ruffian Way. Participants should follow the directional signage and directions of officers from the Lexington Police and FCPS Police departments.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 1 p.m. | First Baptist Church Bracktown
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church Bracktown, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service will be limited to family members only. The service will be livestreamed and available for the public to watch at the following links: Vimeo, YouTube, or Facebook.
A slideshow will be begin at 12:30 p.m. on the live feed. Flowers, wreaths, and sprays are encouraged and should be delivered to the church before the drive thru visitation begins.
MANNY CAULK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
After his selection as the 2019 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year included a $2,500 scholarship for a high school graduate funded by American Fidelity, Manny pledged to continue to fund an annual scholarship out of his own pocket. A memorial scholarship fund to continue this legacy has been established through the Fayette County Public Schools Foundation managed by the Bluegrass Community Foundation.
Donations can be made online or mailed to The Fayette Education Foundation, c/o Manny Caulk Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 910951, Lexington, KY 40591-0951.
CARDS AND TRIBUTES
Memories, condolences and celebrations of Manny are being collected online and will be shared with his family. Cards can be mailed to the Family of Emmanuel Caulk, 450 Park Place, Lexington, KY 40511.
STUDENT LED FCPS HIGH SCHOOLS TOY DRIVE
In honor of Manny, students from Bryan Station, Frederick Douglass, Henry Clay, Lafayette, Paul Laurence Dunbar and Tates Creek high schools are working together to host a toy drive to benefit FCPS elementary students in need this holiday season. All brand new items will be welcomed. Donations can be dropped off at any of the six large district high schools from Dec. 10-16 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.