Dirty Hands and a Mission Accomplished
By Austin Lowe
Green County High School

Kenny Wilson knew he was selected for Kentucky’s Governor’s Scholar Program based on his academic achievement, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. He didn’t know that the GSP also wanted him to do some carpentry work.
But shortly after he arrived on campus for the five-week program at Bellarmine University in Louisville, he was stunned to learn that he and 359 other scholars would be required to build a house with Habitat for Humanity.
Kenny, a rising senior from South Warren High School (Warren County) is deeply involved with mission work and Christian ministries, but this was a different kind of mission.
“I was excited to be helping out the family, but I was nervous because I did not know how I would be contributing,” said Kenny.
Well, it would be dirty work, but at the end of the day, he could see the progress he made.
When Governor’s Scholar Program Executive Director, Aris Cedeño, announced that the program was partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Kenny made a strong connection to his mission work. Kenny is an active member at Living Hope Baptist Church, and enjoys devoting his time to his Christian faith and witnessing through others.
“While doing mission work, we try to help others during situations when they are in need. We want to help better the lives of those we encounter and create a positive impact,” Kenny explained.
Work at the Habitat building site on the west side of Louisville began shortly after the opening ceremony for the five-week GSP experience at Bellarmine University. The foundation was in place when the scholars arrived, so Kenny and his fellow workers began to add trusses under the watchful eye of experienced Habitat volunteers.

GSP Scholar, Kenny Wilson

Despite the heat and hard work, Kenny took pride in what he had accomplished. Each of the 360 scholars were expected to put in a half-day shift at the site, doing whatever was needed, from nailing studs to installing vinyl siding, flooring, roofing, and finally painting, and landscaping.
“It was nice to compare how much progress was made from the beginning of the day to the end,” Kenny said.
Kenny was honored to work alongside the family. On his day at the worksite, he heard stories of how the family had worked hard to make ends meet since they settled in Louisville. The father, Omar Muse dreamed of having a home for his family and finally found his opportunity when he was accepted into the Habitat program.
“Having Omar on the site was inspiring because the family has been through a lot. But through hard work, they will now accomplish their dream of having a home,” Kenny said.
The house finished, a dedication ceremony was held on Saturday, July 14, just one week before the end of GSP. Scholars, Habitat volunteers, neighbors and community leaders gathered at the site to celebrate with the family, who were given the keys to their new home.
As a token of gratitude, family members gave cards to all of the scholars. Kenny cherished his gift as a way to remember the hard work and passion that went into creating a home.
“It was amazing to have everyone in the community involved,” he said.