A Pathway Forward follows the sophomore class of Law and Government Magnet students at Central High School throughout the year. Their journey is led by Joe Gutmann, a talented former prosecutor, who began teaching at Central in 2002. He has been supported in that effort by University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law students who help teach the Street Law curriculum each year.

The film celebrates the success of the program, which has increased the number of Central High School graduates who go on to become lawyers, as well as the number of graduates who become professionals in other fields and active citizens and leaders in Louisville and beyond. It is a source of inspiration, but also a framework for other communities to adopt, adapt, and sustain similar programs.

Special thanks go to R. Harvey Johnston, III, who is co-hosting this premiere. He is also the lead donor to the documentary itself. Mr. Johnston is a distinguished alum of the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and long-time supporter of the partnership between Central High School Law & Government Magnet Program and the Brandeis School of Law. He currently practices in Bowling Green, KY, and has served as president of the Kentucky Bar Foundation and recipient of the 2021 KBA Service Award.

Kentucky to the World is also a co-host. Founded in 2012, Kentucky to the World (KTW) is a nonprofit whose mission is to elevate the cultural and intellectual reputation of our Commonwealth on the global stage. They accomplish this by sharing compelling stories of extraordinary people with Kentucky roots through live events, television specials, digital content, collectibles, school programs, and other initiatives.

The production of this documentary — by award-winning filmmaker Jesse Nesser of Overseas Cowboy Films — was made possible by many generous donors who are credited in the film and will be recognized at the premiere.