PARIS, Ky. — Paris City Schools has partnered with the University of Kentucky football team to have two players serve as mentors for the students in Bourbon County. 

What You Need To Know

  • Paris City Schools have partnered with the University of Kentucky Football team

  • John Young and Octavious Oxendine will be ambassadors for the school

  • Young and Oxendine attended the summer block party to meet students in the community

  • Students and families in the community are excited for the partnership

Offensive tackle John Young says the partnership will impact his life.

“I’ve already made some new friends over here from the Paris Elementary School football team, so we’ve been throwing some passes and stuff like that shooting basketball, so it’s been really great so far to be out here,” Young said.

Young, along with defensive tackle Octavious Oxendine will serve as ambassadors for the upcoming school year. 

“I remember being this age at one time and, you know, playing college football was always a dream of mine or going to college for any, you know, sport for that matter. So you know, just being able to be here for these kids,” Young said.

The two attended the first of many community events Thursday evening and within moments of their arrival, elementary students like Braxton were already loving their new role models. 

“I feel like he’s the one that’s passed us a bunch of throws and it’s really nice, like all the ones we’ve met from the UK are amazing,” Braxton said.

And says it’s more than just throwing a football and getting to know these athletes.

“I know they can make me better as a person and football player and person on and off the field,” Braxton said.

Making a lasting impact, Young says he hopes to become an inspiration to the students and help the community in any way possible. 

“Show them that you know, hard work and dedication. They can do anything they put their minds to,” Young said.

It’s a partnership that gets the Young and students like Braxton excited for the upcoming school year. Everyone hopes to have a positive impact on each other and make lasting memories this school year. 

The agreement with the elementary school is a name, image and likeness (NIL) partnership with the university football players.

Look for Oxendine and Young on the field for Coach Mark Stoops this year, as they expect both to be starters on the squad. UK’s first game is at Kroger Field against Miami of Ohio. 

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