During this year’s 13th Region Basketball Tournament, First Priority Tri-County was honored to present Jillian Enix of Pineville and J.D. McVey of Barbourville with the first annual Hope Award. This commendation recognizes these young leaders’ commitment to their community, school, and Christ.
First Priority Tri-County oversees 27 Christian clubs in middle and high schools throughout the region. These groups provide young people with an accessible, safe space to share their faith and connect with their school community. H.O.P.E is the acronym for the program’s four-week strategy, standing for Hope, Overcome, Prepare, and Engage. This cycle allows students to prepare themselves for their journey in faith and reach out to fellow classmates. During its decade of operation in south eastern Kentucky, First Priority Tri-County has witnessed the growth of countless young leaders who grew through H.O.P.E. This year marks the first time these students had the opportunity to be recognized with the granting of the Hope Award.
Prior to the tournament, every high school in the 13th region was invited to nominate one male and one female student as candidates for the award. The only criteria for nominees was that they belong to their school’s varsity basketball team. 
However, in order to demonstrate how they strengthened their community and guided other youth to Christ through H.O.P.E., the qualifying students were then required to complete a rigorous application detailing their involvement with their local First Priority club, extra-curricular activities, community projects, and church programs. The winners were determined based upon points awarded for each activity or area of commitment.
This year’s candidates were truly outstanding young men and women, and we can’t wait to acknowledge more students like Jillian and J.D. in the coming years!
