NKYL

Faithfully Devoted… This phrase sums up Ken and Kate Williams. They are two people faithfully devoted to God, each other, their family, and their community.  After unexpectedly losing two sons, Kenny injured in a fall and Brian in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Ken and Kate almost immediately turned their grief into a perpetual resource for others by creating the Kenny & Brian Williams Fund. With the support of family, friends, and the Covington Catholic community they were able to raise over two million dollars for the fund with a mission to support Covington Catholic High School, it’s students, and people experiencing tragedies in the Northern Kentucky region in Kenny and Brian’s name. They also donated nearly half a million to the Covington Catholic Capital Campaign. With their strong faith and generosity, Ken and Kate transformed their life altering events into positive change for others.  They know, through the fund they worked so hard to create, Kenny and Brian’s legacy will live on “With A Spirit That Will Not Die!”.

Since 2002, the Kenny & Brian Williams Fund has provided tuition relief totaling nearly $591,996 to 21 students at Covington Catholic High School as well as provide $105,000 in scholarships to 21 graduating seniors for college. In addition, they have awarded $111,285 to families around the Northern Kentucky region who have experienced tragedies of their own. The impact that they have had not only on these students, but their families and families throughout our community, is tremendous. There are many examples as to how the recipients of the Kenny and Brian Williams Fund scholarships have gone on to “pay it forward”. In fact, Ken always asks the recipient of the senior scholarship to remember to give back to the fund or the community, once they are able.

Ken graduated from Covington Catholic High School in 1963, followed by Kenny ’86, Andy ’87, Brian ’90 (who earned the “That’s My Boy Award” now named in his memory), and grandsons Justin ’19, Charlie and Thomas ’22, Alex ’23 and Eddie ’27. Kate is a proud graduate of Notre Dame Academy, class of 1964, daughter Tara ‘96 and granddaughter Ellie will be class of ‘27. Ken and Kate have been active members of St. Pius X Parish in Edgewood since 1976 where they coached athletic teams and have served on many committees. Ken and Kate enjoy spending time with Andy and Tara and their families. They also like to travel, golf, and spend time with friends.

The annual Northern Kentuckian of the Year Luncheon has raised over $1.2 million for Covington Catholic’s work study program since its inception.  The work study program allows students from around the region the opportunity to experience all that CCH has to offer. Students awarded tuition assistance are enrolled into the work study program and assigned work hours
based on the amount of assistance they receive. They then do various jobs around the school to work off those hours. In existence for more than 45 years, the program has a tradition of graduating successful men. It not only assists students financially, but helps them to develop a strong work ethic,
develop people skills, and appreciate their education.

For the 2022-23 school year 93 students were awarded $470,000 in financial aid. Funding from this event, our scholarship program, and gifts to the annual appeal make it possible for hundreds of young Colonels each year to attend Covington
Catholic through the work study program. This program is especially vital with the challenges we face today. With your support this program will continue to produce hard working, grateful young men who will positively impact our world!

Covington Catholic received the National Blue Ribbon Award , presented by the U.S. Department of Education, in 2016 (previously awarded in 2007).