A recent Fort Hays State University graduate who has had a profound impact on the lives of children, teens and young adults has been named the most recent Covenant Builders Hometown Hero.

Vernon King Jr., a Dallas native who has attended FHSU since 2009 and graduated in 2014, will be presented the honor between the women’s and men’s basketball games tonight. Tipoff of the men’s game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m against Southwest Baptist.

 

King lives in Hays and is expanding the business he started as a freshman, Motivating Youth Co., which provides educational services for children, teens and young adults throughout the United States. The business has offices in Hays and Dallas.

According to the individual who nominated him for the award, since 2009, King’s company has provided more than $120,000 in scholarship money to high school senior leaders around the U.S. He started an internship program through FHSU and in Dallas for undergrad students studying in certain areas.

“Vernon has also put in a great deal of Fort Hays State promotion wherever he goes,” the nomination said. “Vernon can speak to about 10,000 to 15,000-plus students and, every time, he gets the opportunity through school, conference, workshops, etc., he makes it a priority to mention the impact that the great school Fort Hays State University has had on his life!”

During his time in Hays, King has also spent time employed at the FHSU admissions office, Sternberg Museum of Natural History and has been active at both Westview Church and Celebration Community Church.

“Vernon has a heart for students of all ages and can be found working with everyone from elementary school to college age students,” a second nominator said. “In the past, Vernon has worked as a DJ for middle-school kids and, when you bring his name up to those students, they usually smile big and light up with excitement as they tell about the impact that he made on their lives.”