uncertainty, but there is strong inspiration to keep his goal of maintaining the well-being of bees at the forefront, given how important they are to the world ' s ecological health. After winning the YEA! program, Coe told the Commonwealth Journal that his goal is to " save humanity," as people depend on bees and the role they play in nature to eat and survive.
This draws inspiration from another cartoon favorite of Coe ' s— not Curious George this time, but another character known for fearlessly saving humanity on a regular basis.
" I have always loved Superman. Superman as a character can save the world all by himself," said Coe. " Superman isn ' t real though. I can ' t save the world all by myself. I can, however, do my part to make this world a better place. If one-third of all the food we eat is dependent upon pollinators, it is my responsibility to do everything I can to protect them. No bees, no pollination, no pollination, no food.
" Every time I get to travel and speak to a group of students I always finish up with a challenge and that challenge is to ' explore the world without fear,'" he added. " Never be afraid to push the boundaries of what you think you think you can do. Never let self doubt keep you from reaching your goals. You are capable of so much more than what you, or the world says you are. Never stop exploring."
Story photos courtesy of Gerald Coe
( 606) 219-0033 krphoto. ky @ gmail. com
www. kaylariderphotography. com
18 • SEKY- Southeast Kentucky Life JULY 2025