Atkins’ graduate honored at University of Kentucky

By Christopher Carney, The University of Kentucky Harrison Goode, current equine science and management student at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, was among the winners recognized with the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer award in a ceremony earlier this academic year.  UK’s academic colleges select at least one Black student displaying outstanding academic achievement and the ability to impact the lives of others to receive this prestigious award.  This year marks UK’s 75th anniversary of desegregation and Lyman T. Johnson’s legacy. His successful lawsuit against the University of Kentucky granted him admission as the first African American student at the university.  “My name being paired with Lyman T. Johnson is big for me,” Goode said. “It means a lot. It makes me feel good and important to my community.”  Growing up in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Goode’s parents and sister were influential in shaping his current leadership traits – entrepreneurialism, tenacity, character, kindness and passion. At age 12, Goode served in the Boy Scouts of America, where he learned valuable lessons in servant leadership, time management and community outreach – becoming an Eagle Scout recipient.  Goode’s choir teacher in high school taught him how...