LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington Counter Clocks are taking a stance to help youth involved in gun violence in the city.
The baseball team is replacing a community mural with a special grant and new memorial piece ahead of their first game next Friday.
The Counter Clocks say Lexington’s students can soon “clock in” to a brand-new scholarship, all while keeping the special memory of 15-year-old Trinity Gay’s legacy close.
The former track star’s image is currently spray painted into the exterior of the stadium’s walls.
In 2016, Gay, a high-schooler, was struck in the crossfire of shots between two opposite vehicles at a fast food spot. Gay became one of the city’s youngest victims of gun violence. She was the daughter of Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay.
Since then, a mural in her honor has proudly stood on the side of the baseball stadium.
Counter Clocks Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Michael Allison says it was a tough call to have with Gay’s family after they say the mural in her memory was defaced. However, it was a decision by new ownership to transform the memorial.
“It went from a hard conversation that nobody ever wants to have, really, to an opportunity to learn,” Allison said.
Now a scholarship program is underway, and the Counter Clocks say with the support of both parents. Their goal is to bring something that will help spark change to the gun violence trend in Lexington.
“For her name to make a difference in the lives of others moving forward, so that’s where the scholarship came from, and we had a long conversation with her mother and made sure we did everything in a respectful manner,” Allison said.
Each year, a $1,500 award will help toward college tuition for a Fayette County senior maintaining a 3.0 GPA who takes part in a sport, organization, or other volunteer services.
An essay entry that shares an experience or way to combat gun violence is also required. The first ever winner will be announced next spring with a special honoring of a bronze baton for the former track star and those who win the annual grant.
“We hope to draw attention to the horrific impact gun violence has on our communities,” said Lexington Counter Clocks owner Nathan Lyons.
“Once all these projects are done, we plan on paying tribute inside the ballpark to always be able to come in here and see the name,” Allison explained.
Along with the benefits of the scholarship, the student who earns the scholarship will have the chance to throw the first pitch at one of the Counter Clocks’ home games.