Tradition of Excellence Alumni Award

Kevin Addington 2016

Kevin Addington graduated from EHS in 1979 and is a lifelong resident of Elizabethtown. He received his associates degree from ECC and bachelors of Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky in 1983. He opened Addington Transportation, Inc. in 1991 to service regional factories with commercial warehousing, transportation, and production support. Since then he has expanded into commercial property leasing, automotive service with Metro Auto Spa in Radcliff and is a founding member of Kentucky Neighborhood Bank. He has served in community spirit with the Elizabethtown Heritage Council, Big Brother Big Sisters, as President of the Noon Rotary Club, Chair of the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, Vice-chair of the Hardin County Library Board, United Way, Elizabethtown Police Foundation, and the Hardin Memorial Hospital Foundation. He was chosen to represent Rotary International to Sydney Australia in 1999, was a member of the Leadership Kentucky class of 2012, and was named to the ECTC distinguished alumni in 2015. Most recently Addington has been involved with revitalization of downtown Elizabethtown. With renewed interest from others as well, progress has been made with restoration of buildings on or near “the square” to allow for dining, music, art, and loft-style living. Addington’s hobbies include vintage cars and travel. He and his wife Lisa have 3 children, Shane, Lily, and Ava, and they attend First Presbyterian Church.

 

Nancy Bargo Anthony 2018

Nancy Bargo Anthony graduated from EHS in 1968. Nancy Anthony joined the Oklahoma City Community Foundation as executive director in 1985 when it had assets of $20 million and one other full-time employee. She has helped direct the growth of the Community Foundation to assets of more than $1 billion during 2018. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has been a leader among community foundations in the development of endowments for non-profit charitable organizations. It operates the largest organizational endowment program in the United States and the largest independent scholarship program in Oklahoma. In 1995, the Community Foundation joined with several other area organizations to provide leadership in the oversight and distribution of contributions given in response to the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building. The model developed in Oklahoma City for cooperative response to such tragedy has set a standard for the nation. Nancy Anthony served as an advisor to several New York City charities following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, providing the experience of Oklahoma City in dealing with the survivors and injured. Currently she serves on the board of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy in Washington, DC. A native of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Anthony received a B.A. from Vanderbilt University, M.A. and M.Phil degrees in mathematical statistics from Yale University, and a Ph. D. in biostatistics from the University of Oklahoma. At Vanderbilt she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and played on the women’s varsity tennis team for four years. As a community volunteer, Anthony has served for 40 years as a member of the Metropolitan Library Commission, including ten years as chairman. She was honored for her work as a library advocate by the American Library Association in 2000 and by the Metropolitan Library Commission Endowment in 2004. She and her husband, Robert H. Anthony, reside in Oklahoma City. They have four daughters and five grandchildren.

 

Marilyn Bailey 2015

Marilyn Meador Bailey graduated from EHS in 1966. She graduated summa cum laude from Eastern Kentucky University with a B.A. in English in 1970 and received her M.A. in English from EKU in 1971, and her M.A. in Communications from the University of Kentucky in 1974. Ms. Bailey currently serves as Desk Editor for The Seattle Times in Seattle, Washington. In addition to serving as editorial director at The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence in Lexington and American Passage Media Corp. in Seattle, Ms. Bailey held many editorial positions at various publications including The Lexington Herald-Leader and the Eastside (Bellevue, Wash) Journal. Ms. Bailey has also taught journalism at Transylvania University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Western Washington University. Her many awards and honors include being part of The Seattle Times editing team for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News  Reporting and 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News reporting. She has been presented Kentucky Press Association awards for investigative reporting and   feature writing and International Association of Business Communication awards for feature writing. 

Ms. Bailey has served on many professional boards and advisory councils and also volunteers as a mentor and tutor to students at all levels

 

James Barnard 2015

James Barnard graduated from EHS in 1965. He received his Bachelor of Music, Voice, from Birmingham-Southern College in 1969 and his Masters of Music, Voice, from The University of Louisville in 1975. Mr. Barnard spent the next 3 years in a full-time theater career. He performed with the Kentucky Opera Association in Verdi’s opera, Otello, and sang with the association’s educational outreach group. He also won another chance to sing for the Metropolitan Opera National Council at the Kentucky district auditions. In the summer of 1973, he began a 28-year relationship with The Stephen Foster Story in Bardstown. After the opportunity to substitute teach at T.K. Stone and EHS following college, Mr. Barnard returned to the University of Louisville and obtained his Secondary Teacher Certification. He taught Music in the Fort Knox Community Schools for 29 years, earning the Middle School Music Teacher of the Year Award from the 4th District Kentucky Music Educators Association in 1989. Mr. Barnard has been an active volunteer during the last 37 years with the Elizabethtown Lively Arts,   ECTC’s Home for the Arts, The Elizabethtown Area    Sacred Community Choir, The Elizabethtown/Hardin County Community Band and the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center. He credits joining the Living Waters for the World mission team of First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethton as his most gratifying service project. Currently Mr. Barnard serves as Choir Director for First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethtown. 

 

Charlotte F. Beason 2013

Dr. Charlotte F. Beason, E.D., RN, NEA, graduated from EHS in 1966. She completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing from Berea College, a M.S. degree in psychiatric nursing from Boston University and earned her doctorate in clinical psychology and public practice from Harvard University. She is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and holds a certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from the Justice Center of Atlanta, Ga. 

Currently, Dr. Beason chairs the Board of Directors of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. She is also secretary of the Board of Governors of the Kentucky Institute of Medicine and a member of the Friedell Committee for Health System Transformation. Dr. Beason is former Executive Director of the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) where she directed consumer protection programs regulating the practice, licensure, and education of more than 75,000 nurses. She joined KBN following a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs as Program Director of the Office of Nursing Services in VA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. While with the VA, she was a member of the Clinton Administration’s Healthcare Reform Task Force, completed a six month LEGIS Fellowship on Capitol Hill and directed the VA’s national scholarship program. Dr. Beason has numerous publishing and speaking credits at the state and national level and has been honored for her leadership contributions by a wide range of organizations including KYANNA Black Nurses Association, the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, National 4-H Clubs of America and Berea College.

 

H. Ron Brashear 2018

H. Ron Brashear graduated from EHS in 1980. He joined the United States Army as a Material Storage & Handling Specialist where he advanced in rank during his five years of service. At age 20, Ron became one of the youngest soldiers to graduate from the Fort Carson NCO Academy. Following the military, Ron began working at AT&T. In 1991, Ron represented AT&T in a national marketing campaign. Ron’s image and words were utilized in a bill insert, which was mailed to over 16 million AT&T customers!  Ron rose through the ranks from Customer Service Representative in 1987 to Program Management Director in 2005. Today, Ron continues to make strides at AT&T by managing Multi-Million Dollar highly complex Information Technology projects. An entrepreneur, CEO of Rockbrash Promotions, a boxing writer and author, Ron is passionate about helping at-risk youth change their focus. In 2006, Ron Brashear founded Youth of Honor Foundation, a non-profit geared toward doing just that. He is the author of “BOUNCING BACK…Living life the right way,” and its companion manual, “Personal U-TURN” Training. His second book, coauthored by Rahaman Ali, is entitled “That’s Muhammad Ali’s Brother…My Life On The Undercard.” Ron earned his BA Degree in Applied Behavioral Science from National Louis University in 2001. His image and community work are featured on the university’s website under the Applied Behavioral Science program. Ron currently resides in Atlanta with his wife Audrey and their daughters Olivia and Jillian.

 

Richard Briggs 2017

Tradition of Excellence Alumni Award 2017

Richard Briggs graduated from EHS in 1970. He obtained his B.S. degree from Transylvania University in Lexington, KY. before graduating from the University of Kentucky College Of Medicine in 1978 with Highest Honors. He immediately entered active military service with the U.S. Army for training in general and cardiovascular surgery. In 1989, Dr. Briggs left active service to join Dr. William DeVries in Louisville, KY on the Jarvik artificial heart team. He was recalled to active duty during Operation Desert Storm and was awarded the Bronze Star. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, Colonel Briggs volunteered to return to active duty for service in Afghanistan. In 2005, he deployed to the Green Zone in Baghdad as the Senior Trauma Surgeon in Iraq. In 38 years of active and reserve military service, Colonel Briggs also served in Korea, South America, and in Egypt. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, Dr. Briggs joined one of the first surgical teams on ground to aid in the massive number of severely injured. He not only worked with American teams but also the French Army and French civilian physicians. In 2008, Dr. Briggs sought election to the Knox County Commission and served a total of six years. In 2014, he was elected to the senate of the Tennessee State Legislature as the Knoxville representative. Dr. Briggs practices cardiothoracic surgery (heart and lung surgery) in Knoxville and has held academic appointments at the University of Texas-San Antonio, the University of Louisville, and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He is a past President of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine and served 8 years on the Board of Trustees of the Tennessee Medical Association.

 

Neil Budde 2015

Neil Budde graduated from EHS in 1974. From there he received his B.A., summa cum laude, in Journalism from Western Kentucky University and his M.B.A, with high honors, from The University of Louisville. Mr. Budde began his distinguished career in journalism at the Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Virginia as a copy editor on the global news desk. He then worked several years at The Courier-Journal rising from copy editor to Assistant Business Editor. Mr. Budde went on to be founding editor and publisher of The Wall Street Journal Online and later vice-president and editor-in-chief at Yahoo! News. As president of DailyMe, Inc., Mr. Budde helped build a technology platform for dynamic personalization of news content. He was founding CEO of AxisPhilly.org, a non-profit news organization recognized by the Online News Association with its General Excellence Award after only five months of operation. After 27 years, Mr. Budde returned to The Courier-Journal where he currently serves as Executive Editor. Mr. Budde is an inductee into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni at WKU and an inductee into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame. He has served as treasurer and board member of the News Literacy Project, as treasurer and board member of the Online News Association and as board member of the First Amendment Coalition.

 

Eddie Burgess 2017

Tradition of Excellence Alumni Award 2017

Eddie Burgess graduated from EHS in 1965. He is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer/Pilot and retired UPS Boeing 757/767 pilot who continues to utilize his aviation experience flying for a corporate jet charter company as well as for personal enjoyment. Eddie is an Elizabethtown native and following graduation from EHS, he studied two years at Elizabethtown Community College, an extension of UK at the time, before moving to the main campus in Lexington to earn his BA in Education with a Major in Art and Minor in Sociology. While working as a Graphic Arts Illustrator at Naval Ordnance Station in Louisville, he obtained his private pilot license at the Elizabethtown Airport prompting a major change in his career path. Eddie determined he could serve his Country while at the same time pursue his passion for flying. Eddie retired from USAF after twenty years earning many distinctions including Outstanding Graduate from Pilot Training, in addition to three Air Medals for flying over 60 missions in the   Persian Gulf. While serving in the USAF, he earned his Master of Aeronautical Science Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Following retirement, Eddie returned to Elizabethtown and continued his career with United Parcel Service where, upon retirement, he began flying corporate jets which he does to this day. He is also a Flight Instructor with multiple ratings and frequently flies his own planes. Eddie is active in the community and volunteers his time on the Elizabethtown Airport Board of   Directors where he has served as treasurer for over 15 years. Eddie sings with the Heart of Kentucky Men’s Chorus utilizing the music skills he learned while in the Elizabethtown High School Band and Chorus. In 2015, Eddie was presented the “Kentucky Ace” Award by the Kentucky Department of Aviation honoring his “commitment to Aviation Education, Safety, and development.

 

Michael Coyle 2017

Tradition of Excellence Alumni Award 2017

Michael Coyle graduated from EHS in 1958. He was born May 8, 1940 in Indiana but soon moved to Iowa. In the summer of 1956, Mike enrolled at EHS as a junior, which was also the year that Elizabethtown integrated. Mike played football and in his senior year, EHS had the school’s first undefeated season finishing 11-0 including a Burley Bowl win. Mike was granted a 4-year football scholarship to UK. During these two years at EHs, Mike was very active in school organizations, but his most coveted honor was winning the Andrew Clay Johnson Award. In 1962, Mike graduated from UK with a degree in Accounting and graduated from UK College of Law in 1965. That summer, Mike took the bar exam, the CPA exam and married his high school sweetheart, Moninda Diecks, a 1959 EHS graduate. After three years working as a CPA in Cincinnati, the Coyles returned to Elizabethtown to practice law in 1968. Since then, Mike has been active in civic, charitable and professional organizations plus continuing his loyalty to EHS, UK, and the legal profession. In the legal profession, Mike is a past president of the Hardin County Bar Association and has served as the Master Commissioner and Domestic Relations Commissioner and was Judge of the Hardin Circuit Court from 1980-1986. He is admitted to practice in various federal courts including the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Tax Court. His civic duties have included Greenspace, Rotary Club, E-town Ed. Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Foundation, Community Foundation and Hosparus. He also served as Chairman of EIS Board of Education. Mike is a UK Fellow and a member of UK Alumni Board of Directors. Finally, Mike was admitted to the EHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. The Coyles have two children, Leisje and Gregg. Mike still has an active law practice.

 

Patricia V. Durbin 2016

Mrs. Patricia V. Durbin graduated from EHS in 1955. She taught at EHS for 36 years and has continued to be an avid supporter of the district. Her contributions have created deep roots with far reaching effects in the community of Elizabethtown as a whole. Her nurturing spirit has developed the lifelong devotion of many who think of her as a second mother and mentor. After graduating from Eastern Kentucky University, Mrs. Durbin taught health and physical education at Elizabethtown High School (EHS) from 1963 to 1989. Her advice endeared her to students long after graduation from EHS. Even today, it is common to hear comments like, “Mrs. Durbin was always one of my favorite teachers,” or “I’ll never forget when Mrs. Durbin helped me…”  Mrs. Durbin was respected among the faculty because of her professionalism, wisdom, and commitment to “do what is right.”  Her calm demeanor, “horse sense,” and objectivity carried into the community as well during her many years of service in local government. In 1974, she was elected to Elizabethtown City Council. Her willingness to make changes in the best interest of the community was one of the main reasons that she was elected as Mayor in 1989. Her favorite accomplishment was initiating “Christmas in the Park” at Freeman Lake. She has served on many boards including First Citizens Bank, Louisville Community Board, and the Elizabethtown Educational Foundation. Nominated by American Mothers, she won 1998 Kentucky Mother of the Year and her children feel there was not a more deserving person. On a personal level, family and God have always been top priorities for Mrs. Durbin. As a mother and grandmother, she has guided her family with strong principles and integrity. She has always had a strong moral compass and provided direction to others. Her Bible was, and still is, a consistent read. Mrs. Durbin has created a ripple effect that will forever be a part of Elizabethtown and Hardin County. Her contributions have staying power.

 

Lawrence R. French 2014

Lawrence R. French graduated from EHS in 1950. He graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1954 with a degree in math and an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He taught school at Lincoln Trail Elementary for one year before beginning his thirty year military career in June, 1955, with the United States Air Force. In 1961 he applied for and earned his second bachelor’s degree in meteorology from Pennsylvania State University and served four years as a weather officer in Texas. He returned to school for a master’s degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma and after receiving his degree he went to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. During his long military career, Mr. French was awarded 2 Commendation Medals and 5 Meritorious Service Medals for his outstanding service. Upon retirement from the military in 1985 he was awarded the Legion of Merit, one of the highest awards in the U.S. Air Force. After his military retirement, Mr. French worked as a financial advisor until 1992, retiring again from the workforce into his current life of active volunteer service to his community, church, and schools. Over the last 21 years, he has served on many boards including the Elizabethtown Airport Board and the Elizabethtown Planning Commission. He has been active in the Lions Club and the Noon Rotary Club, as well as the International Club at Fort Knox. In addition to his academic, military, and service achievements, Mr. French pitched baseball for EHS and WKU. He never lost a game as a pitcher in high school or college competition. During his time at WKU, the Hilltopper baseball team won two Ohio Valley Conference Championships. Because of his considerable contributions, Mr. French’s name is engraved on the entrance to the new state of the art baseball stadium at WKU. Additionally, he and his wife, Betty Sue, fund two scholarships for local students going to WKU and ECTC.

Ronald Galvin 2017

Tradition of Excellence Alumni Award 2017

Rev. Dr. Ronald Galvin graduated from EHS in 1965. He was blessed to be one of the four Galvin boys on Morningside Drive, Ron, John, Don and Lon, sons of Vernon and Darlene Galvin. He has always been grateful for the wonderful education he received as a student at Elizabethtown Independent Schools. Ron received his BBA from the University of Kentucky with Departmental Honors. Following graduation he worked in the family business, Noon ’til Nine, Inc. and then as Territory Manager for the Eastern half of Kentucky for the Collins Company, the Whirlpool Major Appliance Distributor for Kentucky,  Indiana, and Illinois. After feeling the call to ministry, he returned to school earning his Master of Divinity from the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry from the University Of Dubuque Theological Seminary. He has served six Presbyterian churches in Kentucky, Missouri and Kansas, the longest (20 yrs.) at First Presbyterian Church of Lee’s Summit, Missouri as Head of Staff. Ron has always been involved in the communities where he has served. He received the first Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Lee’s Summit Character Council. He was a founding member of Lee’s Summit Social Services Agency and served on the Board for over 15 years, many of them as president. He has also served on the Meals on Wheels Board, the Corporate Board of John Calvin Manor, a HUD low-income housing project. He also served as a volunteer police chaplain for the Lee’s Summit Police Department. He also served on the   Visioning Task Force of the Community Block Grant Development Committee and the Lee’s Summit Strategic Planning Committee. Ron is very grateful for Sandy, his wife of 36 years, their children and grandchildren. He loves to hike and to play his guitar.

 

Alvin L. Garrison 2018

Alvin L. Garrison graduated from EHS in 1988. As superintendent of Kentucky’s third largest independent school district–with over 4,000 students and nearly 800 employees–Covington Independent Public Schools Superintendent Alvin Garrison is committed to the district’s motto of guiding students to dream…achieve…succeed. Garrison wants to lead by example, as he knows firsthand how a quality education can transform a person’s life. He was born in Louisville and nine years later, moved to Elizabethtown, where his mother and grandmother raised him. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Western Kentucky University. In his tenure as an educator, Garrison has served as coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal and superintendent. He was the assistant principal and principal of Radcliff Middle School before taking the position of principal of John Hardin High School, where he led the school to become one of the top-performing academic institutions in the state. In 2013, Garrison became Superintendent of Covington Independent Public Schools - the fourth African American Superintendent in the Commonwealth. He is active in the community and serves on the board of several organizations. Garrison also serves as president of the Northern Kentucky Education Cooperative Services. He has received numerous awards including the Radcliff Optimist Club’s Achievement in Education Award, the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce Education Award and the NAACP Judge Larry Smith Humanitarian Award.Garrison has dedicated his life to working with and for children. He believes his journey will be complete when all students receive the education they deserve. Garrison is married to his loving wife, Shannon.

 

William M. Godfrey 2013

Mr. William M. Godfrey graduated from EHS in 1985. He graduated with honors from the University of Kentucky in 1990 with a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at UK, Mr. Godfrey started a business, Personal Computer Technologies, with two college friends. After graduation, he worked for Software Artistry in Indianapolis, being appointed Vice-President after just 3 years of employment. During this time, he continued his education, earning his MBA from the University of Notre Dame in 2000. Mr. Godfrey and co-worker, Rob McLaughlin, sharing a vision to create an e-business that could deliver the tools marketers needed to leverage the power of the internet to compete globally, co-founded the company, Aprimo, Inc., in 1998. With Mr. Godfrey as CEO of Aprimo, Inc., the company grew rapidly, selling software throughout the nation and globally. Mr. Godfrey and Mr. McLaughlin won the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2002. After 12 years serving as President and CEO, Mr. Godfrey sold Aprimo, Inc. to Teradata Corporation in Dayton, Ohio. He currently serves as a consultant for and an investor in several companies. Mr. Godfrey has also been involved in church, civic and service activities. He is an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, and in 2009 coordinated a high school mission trip with students from his church to Cincinnati working in the inner city. His philanthropic interests include Guerin Catholic High School, University of Notre Dame, The O’Connor House, and the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia. He also stays very busy coaching his sons’ basketball and baseball teams. Mr. Godfrey serves on the board of Fort Knox National Company and Duramark Technologies. He has received numerous awards and honors for his business and civic leadership, including the 2012 Techpoint Trailblazer in Technology Award, given to individuals whose vision and efforts in advancing technology have made a lasting and significant impact on the state of Indiana. Mr. Godfrey has been married to his wife Caroline for 23 years and together they have 4 children, Andrew, Kathryn, Matthew, and Luke.

 

Linda Gregory 2017

Tradition of Excellence Alumni Award 2017

Linda Davis Gregory graduated from EHS in 1965. She is the daughter of the late Hardin Young Davis, III, and Jane Keller Davis. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1969 and 1970 with an A. B. and M. A. in English. In 1970 Mr. Paul Kerrick hired her to teach eleventh grade English at EHS plus coach cheerleading. She “retired” in 1971 to start raising her two sons with her husband James R. “Red” Gregory (class of 1965). In 1986, after several years of volunteering and substituting in the Elizabethtown Independent Schools district and with both sons (James Gregory, Jr.-class of 1990 and Jeffrey Gregory-class of 1993) in Elizabethtown schools, she returned to full-time teaching as a language arts teacher at T. K. Stone Junior High School. In the 30 years following she served several stints as chairman of the Language Arts department at TKS as well as 25 years as advisor to the yearbook staff. Mrs. Gregory has served the community as an active member of the PTO’s of Helmwood Heights Elementary and T. K. Stone Junior High and in various offices of the Junior Woman’s Club of Elizabethtown as well as Homemakers. She continues to be an avid supporter of her six grandchildren, youth sports, and all things EIS. She retired from EIS in June of 2017.

Larry Hall 2013

Dr. Larry J. Hall, M.D. graduated from EHS in 1956. Dr. Hall graduated with honors from the University of Louisville and went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat) at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Hall’s professional accomplishments are many, including being a fellow with the American College of Surgeons. He has served as the Chief of Staff at Hardin Memorial Hospital, as President of the Hardin County Medical Society, President of the Louisville Ear, Nose & Throat Society, President of the Kentucky Ear, Nose & Throat Society, and as Secretary/Treasurer of the Triological Society. As an Associate Professor at the University Of Louisville Medical School, Dr. Hall fostered young physicians by overseeing their treatment of patients and supervising them in surgery, doing so without compensation. In addition, Dr. Hall served as Flight Surgeon and Chief of Otorhinolaryngology 8th Naval District, reaching the rank of Commander MC, USNR. Dr. Hall was Boy Scout Master for 2 years and served 2 years as District Boy Scout Finance Chairman and 10 years as Camping and Activities Director. For 25 years, Dr. Hall treated children with special needs at the Hardin County Health Department’s Commission for Handicapped Children, both in the clinic and following up when necessary with surgery. At Christmas, he even played Santa Claus. For 41 years, Dr. Hall served on many committees and performed various duties in the Elizabethtown Noon Rotary Club, including serving as President. Dr. Hall has served as Finance Chairman of Memorial United Methodist Church and is currently one of the teachers of the Comrade Sunday School Class. Dr. Hall also served on the Elizabethtown Independent School Board, serving as Chairman. While on the board, he was privileged to hand diplomas to his three daughters who also graduated from EHS.

 

Ramona Jordan Hall 2015

Dr. Ramona Jordan Hall graduated from EHS in 1989. She received her B.S. in Accounting (Spanish minor) from The University of Louisville in 1993, her Masters in Education from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA in 1996, and her Doctorate in Education from Tennessee State University in 2002. Dr. Hall is currently a Full Professor in the Dept. of Education at Cameron University in Lawton, OK. Dr. Hall’s work regarding the most timely educational issues from the effects of homelessness on education to educational assessment, grading, and school reform, to most recently, critical thinking in online discussion boards, has been published nearly every year in scholarly journals for professional educators since 2007. She has presented at numerous educational conferences across the United States, including the Oklahoma Association of Teacher Educators, the Hawaii International Conference on Education, the Best Practices for P-12 Teacher Preparation Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, the One Voice International Education Conference in Tarrytown, New York, and the   International Conference on Education, Training and Informatics Conference, in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Hall’s numerous awards and honors include Golden Key National Honor Society, Hackler Award for Teaching Excellence, 2012-2013, the highest and most prestigious faculty honor conferred by Cameron University, and Nominee for Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Teaching at a Regional University, 2014 and 2015.

 

Robert C. (Bobby) Hamilton 2014

Robert C. (Bobby) Hamilton graduated from EHS in 1960. Upon graduation, Mr. Hamilton went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps until 1962, serving in Cambodia and Viet Nam. He was on the first plane to land in Cuba during the time of the Bay of Pigs. He joined the Jefferson County Police Department in 1965 and achieved the rank of detective in 1986. Mr. Hamilton was one of the first two Paramedics certified in Jefferson County and worked as a Police Officer Paramedic for Jefferson Police EMS. He was a charter member of the National Registry of EMTs. He was the first diver for the Jefferson County Police Scuba Dive Team. He was a 5-time nominee for Police Officer of the Year, receiving the award in both 1973 and 1984. He was presented the Blue Knight Award for Heroism in 1983 and the 110 Percent Award every year from 1982 through 1985. He was awarded the Police Pistol Marksmanship Expert from 1965 through 1986 and received the “Retiree of the Decade” Award from the Jefferson County Police in 1999. Mr. Hamilton was a State Fire School Instructor for Kentucky and Indiana, a flight medic and instructor for the Spinal Rehab Team at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center and eventually designed the first Spine Board for emergency transportation of spinal cord injury patients. He was a Nicaraguan Freedom Fighter, working with the Civilian Material Assistance and a medical adviser for the Nicaraguan Resistance Movement. He was part of the U.S. contingent to oversee the weapon disarmament between the Contra & Sandinista armies and to oversee the first democratic election. He was instrumental in establishing Estelf, Nicaragua, as a sister city to Louisville. A certified Athletic Trainer, Mr. Hamilton was appointed by Gov. Paul Patton to serve on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Athletic Training Society and was one of the first inductees in the Kentucky Athletic Trainers Society Hall of Fame. He began his athletic training career at Doss High School in 1978, eventually serving on the Sports Medicine Staff for the University of Louisville football program. In 1987 he took over the Sports Medicine Trainer program at St. Xavier High School where he was affectionately known as “Doc.”  The St. X sports facility was named in his honor in 1999 and he was the recipient of the St. Francis Xavier Society Award in 2000.

 

Ann Hodges 2014

Ann Hodges graduated from EHS in 1956. She began her professional career as an entertainer at the age of 16 at the Louisville Iroquois Amphitheater where she performed for three seasons in addition to dancing with the Louisville Ballet Company. After graduating from EHS, she left for New York City to become a June Taylor Dancer on “The Jackie Gleason Show.”  She continued her television career with such credits as “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Steve Allen Show,” “The Arthur Murray Dance Party,” among others, and also did a short stint on the daytime drama, “Search for Tomorrow.”  With the television industry’s migration to California from New York, Ms. Hodges auditioned for Broadway and Richard Rodgers and was chosen to play the role of Gabrielle Bertin in “No Strings.”  She did the National Tour with Howard Keel and Barbara McNair and upon returning to New York was selected to do the “Once Upon a Mattress” television special with Carol Burnett. Ms. Hodges has worked in every phase of show business including Broadway, off-Broadway, radio, TV, dinner theater, industrial shows, summer stock, revues, night clubs, advertising, commercials, and movies, including, “The New Life Style,” in which she played Rocky Graziano’s wife and Otto Preminger’s, “The Cardinal.” Quoting a few of her reviews, for her performance in “No Strings,” The New York Times stated, “But our favorite of all was Ann Hodges, a tornado of song-and-dance energy, as a brassy American heiress.”  The Phoenix Gazette stated, “The real potency for the show (Mame), however, comes from the spirited cast. Ann Hodges leads the way as Mame. She excited the full house with her high-kicking “That’s How Young I Feel.” She left New York for Florida about 20 years ago where she has continued to perform in dinner theater and playhouse entertainment. She has performed for numerous charities, including the JC Penney Golf Classic, The National Jewish & Christian Association, the American Cancer Society, among others."

 

Stacy Horn 2018

Stacy Horn graduated from EHS in 1985. She has a BS in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles from the University of Kentucky. After graduating from UK, she moved to Atlanta to work for the Fashion Office, a runway production company, at the Atlanta Apparel Mart. While gaining experience in runway production, she branched out into styling commercials in Atlanta. Upon moving to Los Angeles in 1997, she started her career as a freelance customer in the entertainment industry. Even though her home base is LA, she spends much of her time working all over the world. This is what she finds the most rewarding part of her work, being able to immerse herself into different cultures and customs while working. Stacy is a member of IATSE 705 with 23 years as a Costume Supervisor and over 40 Film and Television credits. Horn was nominated for an Emmy in 2014 for her work on the TV series Mad Men. Among her favorite film experiences is working on Paramount’s “Elizabethtown” and Disney's “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. Currently, Horn is working on Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt to be released in 2019. Stacy is also an active volunteer at the Los Angeles Union Station Homeless Shelter and the Humane Society. Her parents, Clifford and Carolyn Horn still reside in Elizabethtown.

 

Ken M. Howard 2016

Judge Ken M. Howard graduated from EHS in 1973. He received his B.S. from the University of Kentucky and his J.D. from the University of Louisville School of Law. From 1980-¬1996, he was a partner in four law firms in Hardin County. In 1982, Judge Howard became the Senior Assistant Hardin County Attorney and held that position until he was elected Hardin County Attorney in 1989. He served the community as Hardin County Attorney until 2007 when he was elected Hardin Circuit Judge. While serving as Hardin County Attorney, Judge Howard was instrumental in obtaining and preparing the Glendale mega¬site for economic development, reforming local DUI prosecution in Hardin County, working with our community local mental health programs to initiate treatment and education for DUI offenders, and setting up restitution programs for crime victims in Hardin County. As Circuit Court Judge he has invested many hours and efforts in felony Drug Court, changing the lives of offenders and putting them on a path to sobriety. Every Hardin County Drug Court graduate publicly and personally thanks Judge Howard for the investment he has made in his or her life. Judge Howard is a member of the Hardin County Bar Association, the Kentucky Bar Association, the American Bar Association and has served on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky County Attorney’s Association. He was appointed to the Commonwealth of Kentucky Child Support Enforcement Commission in 1995 by Governor Jones and served there until 1999. Judge Howard has many personal accomplishments as well as professional. He is a past president of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club and served on the Board of Directors for the Elizabethtown-¬Hardin County Industrial Foundation, as Program Chair of Law & Justice Day for Leadership Elizabethtown. He has served on multiple Hardin County Chambers of Commerce (Elizabethtown, Vine Grove, & North Hardin) as member of the Board of Directors for the Hardin County Schools Ed Foundation and received the Bell Award from Hardin County Schools in 2004. In addition, Judge Howard is married to Lisa and is the father of three adult children. In recent years, Judge Howard and his wife have travelled to Haiti with their church, Memorial United Methodist, to assist Haitians in water and building projects. His influence is local, statewide and international.

 

G. Scott Hubbard 2014

G. Scott Hubbard graduated from EHS in 1966. His degrees include B.A.’s in both Physics and Astronomy from Vanderbilt University in 1970, Graduate Studies in Solid-State and Semiconductor Physics, University of California, Berkeley, CA, Doctor of Arts, Honoris Causa, Cogswell Polytechnic College, and Doctor Honoris Causa (Ph.D. hon.) from Polytechnic University of Madrid. He has been engaged in space-related research as well as program, project, and executive management for more than 35 years including 20 years with NASA, culminating as Director of NASA’s Ames Research Center. He currently chairs the SpaceX Commercial Crew Safety Advisory Panel. He served as NASA’s first Mars Program Director and successfully restructured the entire Mars program in the wake of mission failures. His book entitled, Exploring Mars: Chronicles from a Decade of Discovery, describes his work on NASA’s Mars Program.  Prof. Hubbard previously served as the sole NASA representative on the Columbia Accident Investigation Board and directed the impact testing that established the definitive physical cause of the accident. He was the founder of NASA’s Astrobiology Institute; conceived the Mars Pathfinder mission with its airbag landing and was the manager for NASA’s highly successful Lunar Prospector Mission. Prior to joining NASA, Prof. Hubbard was a staff scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and directed a high-tech start-up company. He has received many honors including NASA’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal. Currently, Prof. Hubbard is with the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University in Stanford, California. He is an expert on the emerging entrepreneurial space industry and serves as the Director of the Stanford Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation. As part of his ongoing engagement with robotic Mars missions, Prof. Hubbard serves as a member of National Academy of Science review groups and as a frequent consultant to NASA projects.

Gary O. Inman 2016

Dr. Gary O. Inman graduated from EHS in 1968 and from the U of L School of Dentistry in 1976. He continued his education completing a residency program in Orthodontics in 1978. He has practiced Orthodontics in Elizabethtown since graduation and currently practices with his oldest son, Dr. Greg Inman and with Dr. Thomas Baldwin, both of whom are also EHS graduates. Their practice has offices in Elizabethtown, Glasgow, and Campbellsville. While attending EHS, Dr. Inman lettered in three sports:  football, baseball, and basketball. The 1968 Panther football team was undefeated in the regular season and finished as state runners-up. Dr. Inman was voted to the All-State team as quarterback and inducted into the EHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. He was awarded a full scholarship to play football at U of L and played quarterback and safety while in college. He was voted Most Outstanding Senior in 1971 and was inducted into the U of L Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. Dr. Inman currently serves as the Southern Trustee to the American Association of Orthodontists. The country is divided into eight regional associations with the Pacific and Southern associations being the largest. He will serve as President of the AAO in 2019-2020. Having served organized Orthodontics for his entire career, he has worked tirelessly to maintain the profession for the betterment of all patients, doctors, and staff members. After holding every other state and regional office, he served as President of the Southern Association of Orthodontists in 2002. He went on to represent orthodontists in Washington D.C. for eight years, all while providing the best possible treatment for the people of Central Kentucky. Dr. Inman also serves on the board of South Central Bank. He is married to the former Susie Blair, also a 1968 EHS graduate, and they have three sons and six grandchildren.

 

Dave Jarrett 2015

Dave Jarrett is a 1965 EHS graduate and a 1969 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He served five years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy to include two shipboard tours; one as Gunnery Officer on the USS Power (DD839) deployed to the Middle East and one as Operations Officer and Navigator on USS Sacramento (AOE-1) deployed to the Tonkin Gulf. He also served one tour in-country Vietnam as Operations Officer of the Naval Support Activity Danang and as Naval Advisor to the Vietnamese Navy. Following his naval service Jarrett obtained a Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer license and served three years as a ship’s officer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Jarrett then started a 21 year career with the Boeing Company in Seattle, WA. where he initially served as an instructor and Captain of Boeing’s hydrofoil, called the Jetfoil. He traveled worldwide training customers in Jetfoil operations. When Boeing ceased to make the Jetfoil, Jarrett went to work for the Commercial Airplane Division. After obtaining his FAA pilot’s certificate, he served as a Flight Crew Instructor and later as Senior Training Lead Instructor on the B747-400 aircraft. Jarrett received the Boeing “Accolade” award in January 1998 for developing the “Future Air Navigation System” training video that drew praise from many Boeing customers. He is the only Boeing employee to have trained the operating crews and pilots on both its hydrofoils and airplanes. In 1999, for health reasons, Jarrett moved back to Elizabethtown where he became active as a Veteran Service Officer with the Disabled American Veterans. He has assisted over 2000 veterans and their families in the past 14 years. He is a past and current District Commander with the DAV, yet his veteran advocacy did not stop with his DAV volunteer work. He was instrumental in establishing the veterans display in Hardin County History Museum. He is past Chairman and current Public Affairs Officer for the Joint Executive Council of Veterans Organizations (JECVO) of KY, and is a member of the KY Veterans Trust Fund Board. As a Blue and Gold Officer for the US Naval Academy, he assists local students with their applications to the Academy. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his support of veterans, and he will be inducted into the 2015 Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame in Frankfort on September 26th.

 

William Jordan 2017

Tradition of Excellence Alumni Award 2017

William F. Jordan, Jr. graduated from EHS in 1981. While attending Elizabethtown High School, William was on the track and cross country teams. He was one of the state's best athletes, and set a school record in the mile. He was also a member of the Student Council; the school choir; and in gymnastics. He later attended Murray State University on an academic scholarship his first semester. He later received an athletic scholarship the rest of his college career. From there he was selected as the OVC Athlete Of the Year; was captain of the track and cross country teams; and was ranked 5th in the United States in the 1000 meters. He was also an officer of the school's gospel choir, Black Advisory Council; Student Judiciary Board; and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He graduated from Murray in 1986, with a BS in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. After graduating from Murray, he moved to Los Angeles, California where he worked several years as a litigation paralegal on large scale civil litigation matters. During this time he still continued to perform and record music and has shared the stage with such musical greats as Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder. He eventually moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where he is the featured artist in various casinos and was voted as the 2016 Best Male Vocalist, by the Las Vegas Black Music Association. He currently is the lead singer for an R&B band called Rhythm Nation and tours the country with a Temptation tribute group. In addition to all the running and singing William has done, he is also the father of five children. Three of his children are currently in college and two are high school age. He believes that his talents come from God and his family.  

 

Paul Edward Kerrick 2014

Paul Edward Kerrick graduated from EHS in 1935. After graduating from Western Kentucky University in 1939, he taught school in Missouri for a year and a half and worked as a chemist in Ohio for one year. He returned to Elizabethtown in 1943 as a science teacher at EHS. Before the school year ended, he entered the U.S. Navy and served two years during World War II. He returned to EHS in 1946 as the chemistry teacher for 6 years and then became principal of EHS for 20 years. He then served the district as Director of Pupil Personnel for 7 years and as Director of Food Services for another 7 years. He retired in 1986 with over forty years of service. Mr. Kerrick died in September, 1994. The Elizabethtown Independent School District was Mr. Kerrick’s life. He oversaw the growth of EHS from 210 students and 7 teachers in 1952 to over 800 students. He oversaw the construction of and movement into two new buildings, the integration with Bond Washington, and the transfer of students from West Point and Elizabethtown Catholic High Schools. During most of his 20 years as principal of EHS, Mr. Kerrick also served as athletic director, working to strengthen the athletic program to achieve the level of state recognition. Under Mr. Kerrick’s direction athletes were required to meet high academic standards and were taught the importance of character, sportsmanship and leadership. As much as Mr. Kerrick supported athletics, he was even more devoted to academics. He wanted every student to succeed, pushed for academic rigor in the classroom, and worked to develop a conference of schools recognizing “academics and athletics.”  Every student earning a high award signed the Book of Gold. All achievements were treated equally whether they were in music, art, athletic, or academic pursuits. Mr. Kerrick worked to ensure every student faced excellent teachers with the tools to provide the sound fundamental education necessary to face a world not just for today but for the challenges of tomorrow. The results of this can be seen in the achievements of EHS graduates in Elizabethtown and throughout the nation.

 

George Larkin 2017

Tradition of Excellence Alumni Award 2017

George E. Larkin, Jr. graduated from EHS in 1936. He was born on November 26, 1918, in New Haven, Kentucky. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on November 27, 1939 and was trained as an Airplane Mechanic. Sgt. Larkin served as a B-25 Mitchell flight engineer with the 89th Reconnaissance Squadron at McChord Field, Washington, until he was selected for the “Doolittle Mission” in February 1942; America’s official response to the bombing at Pearl Harbor, HI. He served as the flight engineer on the 10th B-25 to take off from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) on April 18, 1942, and after bombing its assigned targets in Japan, the crew bailed out over China when their aircraft ran out of fuel. He remained in the China-Burma-India  Theater after the raid, and served as a B-25 flight engineer with the 11th Bomb Squadron of the 7th and then 341st Bomb Group in India until he was killed in action during a combat mission near Assam, India, on October 18, 1942.  Sgt. Larkin was originally buried at Barrackpore, India, but his remains were returned to the United States in February 1951, and reinterred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. His Distinguished Flying Cross Citation reads: For extraordinary achievement while participating in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland on April 18, 1942. Sergeant Larkin volunteered for this mission knowing full well that the chances of survival were extremely remote, and executed his part with great skill and daring. This achievement reflects high credit on Sergeant Larkin and the military service.

 

Tao Le 2016

Dr. Tao Le graduated from EHS in 1987 and from Centre College as co-valedictorian in 1991. He then earned his medical degree at the University of California, San Francisco. He trained in internal medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital and completed an allergy and immunology fellowship and a masters in health sciences at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Le is an internationally recognized medical educator, physician executive and seasoned entrepreneur. He possesses deep experience in medical education, health informatics, and medical practice management. Dr. Le was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the US at an early age. Dr. Le has authored or edited over 40 textbooks that have been used by nearly 2 million physicians and medical students worldwide. He is also section chief of allergy and immunology in the University of Louisville Department of Medicine where he pursues his interests in asthma and medical education research. He was co-founder and Chief Medical Officer for Medsn, a medical communications technology company servicing Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and device companies. He is currently founder and CEO of ScholarRx, a medical e-learning company, and serves on the boards of Centre College and the Hardin Memorial Hospital Foundation.

 

Barry Lee 2013

Dr. William Barry Lee graduated from EHS in 1990. He graduated with High Distinction from the University of Kentucky Medical School in 1998, completed his residency at UK in 2002 and a fellowship at the University of California, Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California in 2003, specializing in Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery. Currently, Dr. Lee works with Eye Consultants of Atlanta where he began his work in 2003. Dr. Lee’s community service includes serving as the Medical Director for the Georgia Eye Bank, Chair for the Cornea Society Young Physicians Task Force, and Medical Advisory Board Member for the Eye Bank Association of America. He travels internationally to help promote Eye Banks, which are used to retrieve and store eyes for cornea transplants. Dr. Lee has received numerous honors, including “Best Doctors in America” 2009-2012, Castle Connolly’s “America’s Top Ophthalmologist” 2007 – present, Ocular Surgery News’s Premier Surgeon 250 list, and Board Examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology. He co-authored the textbook, Ocular Surface Disease. Dr. Lee has been married to his wife Michelle for 15 years and is active in coaching the sports teams of their three children.

 

Charles W. Logsdon 2015

Charles W. Logsdon graduated from EHS in 1956. He graduated from WKU in 1963 with degrees in English and Education. He completed his Masters degree in 1965 in English and later earned a B.S. from EKU in Law Enforcement. He taught for many years and received a Lifetime Teacher’s Certificate. He began his law enforcement career in 1971 and in 1982 was named Deputy Sheriff of the Year. In 1984, he attended the   National FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where he graduated with honors. In 1986, he was elected Sheriff of Hardin County and was awarded the American Association Chiefs of Police Hall of Fame Award. He was named Kentucky Sheriff of the Year in 1993 and was nominated by the President of the United States for U.S. Marshall for the Western District of Kentucky in 1994. Along with his decorated professional career, Charlie was actively involved in his community. He served on the task force for curriculum for EIS, and worked closely with the school on projects including the start of Project Graduation in EIS and Hardin County Schools. In 1987, Charlie’s idea of the Elizabethtown Downtown Walking Tour came to fruition, and he was active as the author, producer, and director of the tour from 1987 to 1998. He served as President of the Hardin County Historical Society and on numerous other boards and foundations serving causes from education and health services to domestic violence and crime prevention. Charles Logsdon’s efforts spoke to his love of his community and his belief in progress through the efforts of people working together and the blending of old ideas with the new.

Ken Maffet 2014

Ken Maffet, M.D., graduated from EHS in 1961. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry from the University of Kentucky in 1965, and his Doctorate of Medicine in 1969 from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. While a medical student, he joined the Air Force in 1968 through the Senior Sponsorship Program and did his internship and residency in internal medicine at the ASAF Medical Center Keesler, Keesler AFB, Mississippi. Following his residency, Dr. Maffet served as chief of Internal Medicine at the ASAF Medical Center at Scott AFB, Illinois, chief of Hospital Services at the ASAF Hospital at Luke AFB, Arizona and in 1979 was selected to be the internal medicine consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General. In 1985 Dr. Maffet became commander of ASAF Regional Medical Center, Wiesbaden, Germany where under his command a rapid response medical team was established to respond to both natural disasters and terrorist activities resulting in mass casualties. In August 1991, Dr. Maffet became the command surgeon/hospital commander, United States Air Force Academy. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Medal with oak leaf cluster. In 1997, Dr. Maffet was presented the American College of Physicians Laureate Award for his contributions to medical care in the USAF, and in 1998 he was the first USAF physician to be selected as a Master of the American College of Physicians reflecting his contributions to the field of Internal Medicine. Following Dr. Maffet’s retirement from the ASAF in 1996, he joined the Veterans Health Administration as the Chief Medical Officer for the four-state area of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. He retired from the VHA in 2004 and moved back to Elizabethtown where he has since been active in Memorial United Methodist Church. He also spent 5 years as the Chief Medical Officer of the Hosparus of Central Kentucky.

 

Beverly Malone 2013

Dr. Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, graduated from EHS in 1966. She began her nursing career with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 1970. She combined further study with clinical practice, a master’s in psychiatric nursing, and a doctorate in clinical psychology, which she earned in 1981. She has worked as a surgical staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist, director of nursing, and assistant administrator of nursing. During the 1980s she was dean of the School of Nursing at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. In 1996, she was elected to two terms as president of the American Nurses Association and in 2000 she was named deputy assistant secretary for health within the US Department of Health and Human Services. From June 2001 to January 2007, Dr. Malone was general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, the United Kingdom’s largest professional union of nurses. Dr. Malone has been CEO of the National League for Nursing since 2007. Under Dr. Malone’s guidance, the NLN has partnered with corporations, associations, and foundations – ranging from Johnson & Johnson and Laerdal Medical Corporation to AARP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – to advance the science of nursing education, increase diversity in nursing and nursing education, and advance excellence in care for seniors. She testified in 2009 during Congressional budget hearings advocating for increased support for nursing workforce development and advanced education for nurse educators to address the persistent shortage of nurses that threatens health care delivery. Dr. Malone was appointed to the World Health Assembly by former President Bill Clinton and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. She has been awarded 17 honorary doctorates and has been published numerous times in various medical journals and reviews, and is a sought-after speaker and presenter. In 2010, when Dr. Malone was ranked #29 among the 100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare magazine, she served on the Advisory Committee on Minority Health, a federal panel established to advise the US Secretary of Health and Human Services. Dr. Malone has remembered her start in education by creating two scholarships awarded annually through First Baptist Church to assist students of financial need pursuing a career in healthcare.

 

Edward Y. Mason 2018

Edward Y. Mason graduated from EHS in 1958. Mason’s success in life whether educationally, athletically, or professionally, began with his determination as a young man. He was born in West Point, Kentucky in 1939. While attending EHS, Mason was in the Beta Club and played varsity basketball for his mentor and coach, Charlie Rawlings. Having had a very successful high school basketball career, Eddie attended UK on a basketball scholarship, later transferring to Tennessee Tech, where, after meeting the father of a friend who made his living trading stocks, he became fascinated with economics and statistics. Mason’s high school sweetheart and fiancé, Becky Shaver, began sending him most of her EHS teaching paycheck to invest. Eddie graduated in 1964, and after marrying Becky, went on to Indiana University for a Master’s Degree in Business. After graduation, Mason’s first job was managing the funds for the Illinois Agriculture Association in Bloomington, Illinois. Mason and his family moved to Chicago to start a hedge fund, Midwest Investors, with a partner. Midwest Investors became very successful in managing money for investors all over the country. Subsequently, Mason and his partner bought a seat on the Chicago Board of Exchange. Desiring to be closer to home, Mason moved to Louisville where he and partners set up a new hedge fund, Security Management, which became even more successful. Although attaining wealth and success professionally at a very young age, Eddie’s faith and love were his strongest traits. He shared generously with his church and friends. He served as a deacon in his church and on the Southern Baptist Seminary Board. Mason passed away at the age of 40 and was survived by his wife Becky and three children, Deborah, James, and Mary Katherine.

 

Ronald Meredith 2013

Judge Ronald E. Meredith graduated from EHS in 1963. He continued his education at Georgetown College through a basketball scholarship. While at Georgetown he was elected president of the student government association, the Men’s Honor Society, and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was chosen Georgetown’s Most Outstanding Man and Most Likely to Succeed. He was nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship during his senior year at Georgetown. Judge Meredith was active in local and statewide politics and served as state campaign chairman for Louie Nunn’s gubernatorial run in 1977. He served in the offices of U.S. Senators John Sherman Cooper and Marlow Cook during his days as a student of the National Law Center of George Washington University. In 1981, he was named United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. Four years later, he was appointed Judge for the Western District of Kentucky by President Ronald Reagan. Judge Meredith was deeply involved in a number of church and community activities during his years in Elizabethtown and Louisville. He was a Sunday School teacher and chairman of deacons at Severns Valley Baptist Church. He served as trustee at Georgetown College and at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Judge Meredith passed away in 1994 from pancreatic cancer. The Ronald E. Meredith Leadership Scholarship is awarded each year in his memory.

 

Tim Miller 2015

Tim Miller graduated from EHS in 1962 and received his B.S. and M.B.A. from Murray State and his doctorate from the University of Arkansas. He was a Professor of Accounting at Murray State University for 47 years and served as the Executive Director of the MSU Foundation for 23 years. The Foundation grew from assets of $13 million to $100 million during his leadership. He also served as the Planned Giving Coordinator for five years  during the first capital campaign at MSU, served as chairman of the  accounting department for 17 years, and served two separate terms as interim president of Murray State University (2006 and 2013-14), and was named the 12th President of Murray State in 2014. Upon his recent retirement, the Accounting Department at Murray State was named the “Dr. Tim Miller Center for Accounting Education” where he taught accounting classes for the majority of his 47-year tenure. Dr. Miller’s other honors at MSU include the first Outstanding Teacher Recognition Award in the College of Business, Distinguished Professor, Regents Award for Teaching Excellence, Outstanding Alumnus from the Department of Accounting and “Boss of the Year” from the Murray Chapter of Professional Secretaries International. Dr. Miller has served on various boards including the Murray Electric board, the Murray-Calloway County Hospital board and several bank boards, including Heritage Bank, of which he is currently chairman of the board. He is a member of many professional accounting organizations and a member of Sigma Chi social fraternity. He also has served in various capacities at First Baptist Church of Murray since 1971.

 

Jenny Oldham 2018

Jenny Oldham graduated from EHS in 1990 where she served on the Student Council and was president of the Pep Club. She graduated cum laude from Centre College in 1994, from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law in 1997 and the Kentucky Prosecutors Institute in 2004. She began her career as a prosecutor handling child neglect and abuse cases in 1997 and served as an assistant county attorney for 13 years. Oldham became First Assistant County Attorney in 2001 and in 2010, she was elected the Hardin County Attorney. She is currently finishing her second term as the first female Hardin County Attorney in the county’s history. She has been an instructor with the Kentucky State Police Academy, the Department for Criminal Justice Training and the Kentucky Prosecutors Institute and was selected as the 2013 Kentucky County Attorney of the year. In addition, Oldham has presented at the Kentucky Prosecutor’s Conference and the Kentucky Attorney General’s DUI Conference. She is a recipient of the MADD DUI Outstanding Service Award and Governor’s DUI Award. Oldham has served as Chairperson of the Hardin County Multidisciplinary Team for Child Abuse and as a board member of the Advocacy and Support Center, Sunrise Children’s Services, the Hardin County Bar Association. Currently, she serves on the External Child Fatality/Near-Fatality Review Board for KY and on the boards of directors for Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services, KY County Attorneys Association and the Hardin Memorial Hospital Foundation. Oldham is a member of Severns Valley Baptist Church, where she has served as a Trustee and a youth Sunday School teacher. She is married to Dennis Oldham and is mom to Emma and Wesleigh.

 

Danny Pennick 2016

Dr. Danny Penick, M.D., F.A.C.C. graduated from EHS in 1972. He received an M.D. from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1980. He completed Internal Medicine training at Tulane University in New Orleans, La., and General and Interventional Cardiology fellowships at St. Louis University. He has held the academic position of assistant professor at Tulane University and St. Louis University, serving as Director of the Department of Internal Medicine, and Director of the Internal Medicine training program at one of Tulane’s affiliated teaching hospitals. While at St. Louis University he served as Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation Services at St. Louis University Hospital, and as Director of the Outpatient Pacemaker Clinic at John Cochran V.A. Medical Center. Teaching continues to be a major passion for Dr. Penick. He was chosen as teacher of the year in the St. Louis University Cardiology Division in 1992. He continues to serve as adjunct clinical instructor with the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences proctoring medical students, as well as serving as a clinical preceptor for allied health students at Ozarks Technical College in Springfield, Mo. He presently is in private practice as an interventional cardiologist at the Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center in Springfield, Mo., where he has been selected as one of the top cardiologists in the region on multiple occasions. He has served on the Board of Directors for Heartlight Ministries, in Longview, Texas, a Christian-based residential counseling program for struggling teens and their families. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Performing Arts Center in Springfield, Missouri, including serving as Chairman of the Board, a center committed to creating opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to learn and participate in the performing arts regardless of their financial or social circumstance. He is active in his home church, The Venues of Springfield, Mo., which was recently recognized as having the #1 community outreach mission in the city of Springfield by Springfield’s Council of Churches. He has been active in mission work, serving on multiple mission trips to Nicaragua.

 

Dan Pile 2017

Tradition of Excellence Alumni Award 2017

Dan Pile graduated from EHS in 1974. He has served as a YMCA professional for over 37 years, establishing 7 YMCA programs and facilities within the Atlanta area. He now serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Greater Birmingham which annually serves over 70,000 youth and families. Mr. Pile was born in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and after graduating from EHS, he received his BA from Western Kentucky University in 1978, majoring in Recreation with a minor in Religion. Upon graduation, he moved to the Atlanta area to attend Candler School of Theology at Emory University. While at Candler, he was introduced to the many youth and family programs of the YMCA, especially the Y’s ability to reach and serve “all” people seeking out meaningful experiences. Dan’s YMCA professional accomplishments include leading volunteer based community development efforts resulting in 4 new YMCA’s, five public-private partnerships for new YMCA community centers youth and family camping facilities, development of after school childcare programs in 29 school locations serving over 2100 children daily. On behalf of the Y, Dan has received 4 land donations one of which was from Dallas based Ross Perot. He has raised over $22,000,000 to provide facilities and Y programs within the greater Atlanta community. Dan is also devoted to serving low-income seniors and families. As Chairman of the Housing Authority of Roswell, Dan provided vision, leadership and collaboration skills resulting in a major revitalization project including a public-private partnership with a nationally known development partner. Upon completion the Housing Authority will include more than 200 low-income housing units, office, retail and human service facilities. This important program is considered vital to the region’s economic development and recovery. Dan is married to Dr. Jennie P. Perryman and together they have three children. He spends much of his remaining time in pursuit of fly-fishing each of the top 50 trout streams in America.

Jeffrey B. Richardson 2015

Jeffrey B. Richardson, M.D. graduated from EHS in 1979. He graduated summa cum laude in 1983 from Georgetown College with a B.S. in Biology, from the U of L School of Medicine in 1987, and from Residency University of Louisville Dermatology in 1991. He has authored five publications in various dermatology journals, served as a Clinical Instructor at U of L School of Dermatology since 1991 and as Associate Clinical Professor since 2001, training new dermatology interns. Dr. Richardson’s diagnosis and treatment of countless patients with melanoma and his dedication to saving their lives is paramount to his practice. He respects each and every member of his staff, regularly seeking out the latest professional development not only for himself, but for his team as well. He values their contribution and strives to create a supportive working environment. His community service and volunteer efforts are numerous, and include a monthly rotation for over 20 years at the Veterans Hospital. For 23 years, Dr. Richardson has volunteered at skin cancer clinics at Hardin Memorial Hospital and the Kentucky State Fair. He partners with the Community Health Clinic in Elizabethtown to treat patients at no cost. Dr. Richardson’s charitable efforts extend well beyond Hardin County and Kentucky. He has also served on a medical mission trip to Peru providing medical services to a very desperate population. In addition, Dr. Richardson is a world traveler and serves as a Maker’s Mark Ambassador, promoting this important Kentucky industry in the U.S. and abroad. He also serves as an Elder at Radcliff Presbyterian Church and as a member of Central Kentucky Wheelmen, promoting health and fitness. 

 

Carolyn Riticher 2013

Carolyn Crowe Riticher graduated from EHS in 1977. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Kentucky in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Currently she is a shareholder/Tax Principal with Windham Brannon, P.C., in Atlanta. Windham Brannon has received numerous workplace awards, including recently as one of the best public accounting firms for women. Mrs. Riticher served for three years at the firm as Chief Operating Officer and is currently a member of the Executive Committee. Mrs. Riticher served as President of the 12,000 member Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA) in from 2003 – 2004 as well as President of the Educational Foundation of the same organization. Having received a kidney transplant on May 9, 1999, from her brother Dale Crowe, Mrs. Riticher decided to use this experience and her position with the GSCPA to service others affected by the need for organ transplant. She served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Transplant Foundation for 9 years, serving as Chairperson for one of those years, and Chair of the Annual Fund in 2012. Supporting accounting education has been another important cause for Mrs. Riticher. She has served as the President of the Educational Foundation of the GSCPA, whose mission is encouraging the best and brightest individuals in Georgia to become CPAs. She is the 2010 recipient of the Howard Herman Distinguished Service Award, which is the organization’s highest honor. She also serves on the board of the Windham Brannon Foundation and was instrumental in the foundation making the largest single donation to that date of $100,000 to the GSCPA Educational Foundation, endowing accounting scholarship programs at five Georgia colleges and universities.

 

Constance L. Garrett Scott 2014

Colonel Constance L. Garrett Scott graduated from EHS in 1960. She holds a Diploma Degree from Louisville General Hospital School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Columbia Union College, a Master’s of Science in Primary Care of Children from Seton Hall University and a Post Masters Certificate in Health Systems Management for Nurses from Vanderbilt University. Colonel Scott joined the United States Army in 1980 and spent 24 years on active duty as an Army Nurse Corps Officer. Throughout her military career, she served in various roles of increased responsibility ending in her assignment as Deputy Commander for Nursing at Madigan Army Medical Center and Regional Chief Nurse Executive for the Western Regional Medical Command, Ft. Lewis, Washington, covering the west coast from Alaska to California. Colonel Scott’s military assignments have included Head Nurse, Camp Darby Army Hospital, Livorno, Italy and Head Nurse Neonatal Unit, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., among many others. Her awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Accommodation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Army Legion of Merit. As the wife of a retired Army Chaplain, she has continued her service to mankind as part of her husband’s ministry as youth choir director, vacation bible school teacher, church women’s ministry programs, marriage enrichment programs and church education programs. Colonel Scott retired from the Army in 2005 and currently works as the Director of Clinical Services at Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina. She maintains her connection with the Army Nurse Corps through her membership in the Army Nurse Corps Association.

 

Mary Shelman 2013

Mary L. Shelman graduated from EHS in 1977. She received a BS in Chemical Engineering with High Distinction from UK in 1981 and an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School in 1987. She is Director of Harvard Business School’s Agribusiness Program which includes the renowned HBS Agribusiness Seminar, an executive education program that attracts 200 CEO’s and senior managers from the world’s leading food and agribusiness firms each year. She has led similar programs for Harvard Business School and other organizations in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Mary has worked with CEO’s of industry-leading firms such as Nestle, Barilla, Bunge, Alltech, Fonterra, Olam and Yum! China. She has authored more than 50 case studies highlighting situations of strategic change and transformational leadership. Her work has been published in Harvard Business Review, Market Leader, and the International Food and Agribusiness Management Review. She has served as a director of a number of fast-growth food and agribusiness firms, including 10 years as Chairman of the Board of RiceTec, Inc., now the dominant U.S. rice seed company. In addition to her current position at Harvard, Mary also advises the Irish government’s Food Marketing Board (Bord Bia) on the future direction of the Irish food industry, co-authoring Pathways for Growth which has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the sector. She is also a strategic advisor on global strategy to the President of Academia Barilla in Parma, Italy. Mary is a regular keynote speaker on themes of food and agribusiness. She is the current President of the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA). 

 

Derek S. Smith 2015

Derek S. Smith graduated from EHS in 1980. He   received his commission as an Air Defense Artillery Officer from the University of Kentucky His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science from Kentucky State University, a Masters in Logistics Management from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. His military education includes the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course, Ordnance Officer Advance Course, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course, Support Operations Course, Logistics Executive Development Course, Command and General Staff College and the Naval Ward College. COL Smith retired from active duty January 1, 2015 after serving his country with distinction at both a national and international level for 30 years. COL Smith has served in positions of increasing complexity through the years, including platoon leader in Alaska and Germany, company commander in Korea and commander of the 19th EOD Company, SETAF in Italy. He served again in Germany, Fort Lewis, Washington, and was named Deputy DOL at the United States Military Academy at West Point; He then took command of the 725th Main Support Battalion in Hawaii and deployed his battalion to Afghanistan. His final military assignment was as Deputy Director, NATO Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Center of Excellence in Madrid, Spain. COL Smith’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and eight Meritorious Service Medals and countless other honors and awards. He serves as a Cub Scout leader and is an active participant in sports activities with his children.

Mike Smith 2018

Mike Smith graduated from EHS in 1972. As a 1972 graduate of Elizabethtown High School, Smith was in the first class to graduate from the new high school. Smith was a member of the EHS Golf team, and EHS is where he met his high school sweetheart and wife of 44 years, Markie Miller Smith. They have one daughter, Jenny Smith Aldridge, and 3 grandchildren, Aidan, Adeline, and Annelise Aldridge. Mike began his career as a salesperson for Ditch Witch in Elizabethtown and went on to sell excavating equipment for John Deere and Japan-based Hanix America. In 1994, Mike earned the opportunity to become the only distributor of IHI equipment in North America. Mike and Markie founded their company, Compact Excavator Sales, LLC, in Elizabethtown with two employees, one truck and trailer, and seven IHI machines. Over 20 years later, Compact Excavator Sales has become the largest export supplier of IHI equipment in the world and currently provides jobs to 22 employees. Compact Excavator Sales is also an active supporter of many local charities, including 20 years of support to both Feeding America and the Wesley Hilltop House. In addition, the students of the Elizabethtown Independent Schools have benefitted beyond measure by Mike’s commitment through the years through the Elizabethtown Educational Foundation for technology and equipment in our district’s classrooms.

 

Chuck Sprague 2015

Chuck Sprague graduated from EHS in 1971. He received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University in 1976. Mr. Sprague worked with Penske Racing, Inc. from 1978 through 2010. From 1978 through 1979, he started as mechanic and truck driver, International Race of Champions. In 1980, he was the mechanic on the spare/third entry car, occasionally   driven by Mario Andretti. From 1981 through 1984, he was second mechanic on Rick Mears’ and Al Unser, Sr. 's Indy cars. During those years, Mr. Sprague was the Project Leader on two new team transporters built in-house, including the first stainless “Penske” transporter. He implemented the use of standardized hardware, plumbing and electrical systems in all of the race cars.  He introduced a car parts inventory control system and conversion to aircraft fasteners instead of generic nuts and bolts. From 1985 through 1988, Mr. Sprague was the Chief Mechanic on Danny Sullivan’s CART Indy car, winning the Indy 500 in Mr. Sprague’s rookie year and his third race as the chief mechanic. From 1989 -1998, Mr. Sprague was the Team Manager and General Manager in 1997/1998. He coordinated testing and development with Penske Cars, ILMOR Engineering, Goodyear, Bosch, Delco and all other Penske partners. He led Penske   Racing through the record-setting 1994 season, winning 12 of 16 races, finishing 1-2-3 five times, and finishing 1-2-3 in the CART Indy Car National Championship, culminating in the best season of performance by a team in the history of Indy Car     racing. From 1999 – 2010, Mr. Sprague also served as Vice President and General Manager of Racing Experience, Inc., which provided racetrack experiences of various descriptions to over 150,000 guests over the course of 1.8 million miles with zero on-track injuries.

 

Bob Swope 2016

Mr. Bob Swope graduated from EHS in 1966. The Swopes originally moved to Kentucky in 1952 when his father bought a small Dodge dealership in Winchester and the same year his uncle bought a dealership in Elizabethtown. Mr. Swope’s family came to Elizabethtown in 1961 and he entered the 8th grade at Morningside, not excited at all about having to make a whole new set of friends. Mr. Swope’s trombone afforded him the opportunity to join the EHS band as an 8th grader, as they were desperately in need of trombone players. His EHS years were filled with activities like the Latin Club, Beta Club, band president, and junior and senior class presidencies. Band was his favorite subject through high school and college. He found many lasting friendships there, but it was the zoology lab at Miami University where he met Jan Cassidy, the love of his life. Fate placed them together as lab partners and they fell in love dissecting a fetal pig. They have been married since July 24, 1971, and have one daughter, Joy, and two granddaughters, Palmer and Chatham. With a B.S. in business from Miami University Mr. Swope followed his father and uncle into the car business, working for dealerships in Indianapolis and Bowling Green, before returning home to Elizabethtown. With help from his family, he purchased the old Dusty Rhodes Ford dealership in 1975 and at the age of 27, became the youngest Ford dealer in the country. Mr. Swope has been active in the community through Rotary, Boy Scouts, the Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Elizabethtown, the Red Cross, United Way, and many others. He has attended First Presbyterian Church since 1961 and has served as youth leader, deacon, elder, trustee, and choir member. Mr. Swope operated Bob Swope Ford for 41 years and just recently sold the business to his brother Carl. He is busier than ever with many passions including traveling with granddaughters, singing harmony in the Heart of Kentucky Men’s Chorus, and leading the Living Waters Guatemala Project Team, a project sponsored by the Elizabethtown Rotary Club, First Presbyterian Church, and Mount Zion Baptist Church, which shares the gift of clean water in remote mountain villages of Guatemala which have no access to clean water.

 

Carl Swope 2016

Mr. Carl Swope graduated from EHS in 1975. He is the only member of the Bill Swope family that can claim Kentucky as his home state. To paraphrase his late uncle Sam Swope, in explaining how the family ended up in the car business in Kentucky, “The rest are all carpetbaggers from the north.”  Moving from Winchester to Elizabethtown with his family at 4 years old, Carl says, “I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the family that raised me here, the many community leaders that mentored me here, and the Elizabethtown City School system that educated me here …to the extent I was willing.” Carl earned a degree in Business Administration from Indiana University where he roomed with a fellow Morningside Elementary School friend, Doug Kaderabek, which proved to be providential as Doug’s sister, Anne, turned Carl’s head and won his heart. They were married shortly after graduation. Carl’s business career began with the Sam Swope Auto Group in Louisville. In 1986 he was given the opportunity to lead what today is known as the Swope Family of Dealerships which has consistently earned the manufacturers’ most distinguished recognitions, including the Toyota President’s Award, Chrysler Five Star Award, Ford Blue Oval, among many others. Carl has served his fellow dealers on both the Chrysler and Toyota National Dealer Councils, including chairing Toyota’s council in 2012. He also serves as a director of the Kentucky Automobile Dealers Association (KADA). Most recently, Carl was nominated for the Time Magazine, Dealer of the Year award and will represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky in that capacity at the National Automobile Dealer Association convention in February 2017. Following the example set by his father, Carl has served our community on numerous boards and projects. Early in his adult life, he discovered the impact of Habitat for Humanity in people’s lives and joined the local affiliate. He served as President of the Board of Directors, as well as the board of Kentucky Habitat working to bring the 1997 Jimmy Carter Work Project to Eastern Kentucky. He is a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, has served on the Elizabethtown Hardin County Industrial Foundation and chaired the Tocqueville Campaign for United Way. Currently, Carl serves on the Elizabethtown Tourism Commission, the Elizabethtown Airport Board and is a member of the President’s Circle of the Hardin County Chamber. Carl led the initial fundraising campaign for the Historic State Theater and recently has joined a group of investors in bringing new life and energy into our historic downtown district. Whatever his professional and community accomplishments have been, Carl’s family gives him the most pride and satisfaction. He says, “My wife, Anne, is an amazing woman who gives constantly of her time and treasure in ways few will ever see or know about.”  Together, they have raised three wonderful children, all of whom received their primary and secondary education in the Elizabethtown Independent Schools.

Kenneth Tabb 2013

Kenneth L. Tabb graduated from EHS in 1963. He has served Hardin County as County Clerk since 1998 after serving one year as Hardin County Deputy Clerk. Prior to his work in the County Clerk office, Mr. Tabb was Principal at Sonora Elementary School from 1989 – 1997, a county magistrate from 1986 – 1993, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at East Hardin High School from 1974 – 1989, and a social studies teacher, cross country, baseball, and freshman basketball coach at East Hardin High School from 1970 – 1974. Mr. Tabb served his country in the United States Army from 1968 – 1970 after teaching social studies at North Hardin High School and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at Muldraugh Elementary in 1968. He received his B.S. from WKU in 1968 and his M.A. in Education and History from WKU in 1973. Mr. Tabb has committed his life to this community and bettering the lives of each and every member, as evidenced by his public service as Treasurer of the Hardin County History Museum from 2002 – present, President of the Hardin County Historical Society from 2002-2008, member of the Board of Trustees for the Brown-Pusey House from 2003 – Present, board member for the Historic State Theater from 2004-2007, member of the Board of Trustees for Hardin Memorial Hospital from 1986-1993, and his many other positions of service on boards and committees which benefit our community.

 

Donna Hogg Terry 2018

Donna Hogg Terry graduated from EHS in 1964 and subsequently graduated with high honors from the University of Kentucky and the UK College of Law.  Following her law school graduation in 1972, she began a varied and distinguished legal career, serving as the first woman corporate counsel for KFC Corporation (now Yum Brands), partner in a law firm, and staff counsel for the Kentucky Supreme Court. She was selected as an Outstanding Young Woman of Kentucky and served on numerous statewide boards, including the Federal Judicial Selection Commission and the Kentucky Board of Housing, Building and Construction, while performing volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity and the Girl Scouts. In 1988, Donna was selected as one of Kentucky’s first Administrative Law Judges for workers’ compensation cases and subsequently became Chief Administrative Law Judge when that position was created by the General Assembly in 1994. During more than 20 years on the bench, she presided over thousands of cases throughout Kentucky. She is the author of legal articles on workers’ compensation law and was frequently a featured speaker at local, state, and national legal seminars and conferences.   She was elected President of the Kentucky Association of Administrative Adjudicators, served on the Administrative Committee of the International Association of Administrative Boards and Commissions as well as the Adjudication Committee of the Southern Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards and Commissions, and chaired several legal/medical committees. Following her retirement as Chief Administrative Law Judge in 2010, Judge Terry has maintained a statewide mediation practice in workers’ compensation and related cases.  She is married to Joseph Terry, also of Elizabethtown, and they are the parents of two daughters, Griffin Terry Sumner and Alexandra Terry Wolf. Her parents are the late Bill and Modena Hogg of Elizabethtown.   

 

R.R. "Babe" Thomas 2016

R. R. “Babe” Thomas graduated from EHS in 1939. He entered the U.S. Navy for service in World War II, serving in New Guinea and the Philippines. He served over three years and was discharged in February 1946. For the next 10 years, he partnered with his brother, Mack Thomas, in the operation of Thomas Poultry and Egg Company which was then located on Central Avenue in Elizabethtown. In 1956, Babe accepted the position of Director of Kentucky Veterans Agency, having become known statewide for his own activity in veterans’ affairs following his own military service. After four years with the Veterans Agency, Babe returned to Elizabethtown to the poultry and Egg Business. He was elected to the office of Hardin County Clerk in 1961 and re-elected in 1965. In 1969, he was elected County Judge, the office title changing to Judge Executive during his tenure, and served as Judge Executive from 1970 – 1989, choosing not to run again. Regarding Babe’s many years in public service Ben Sheroan, editor of The News-Enterprise, wrote the following about Judge Thomas on November 4, 2011, “Judge Thomas…repeatedly demonstrated an adherence to his morals and principals.”  In another column on September 1, 2013, following Babe’s passing, Sheroan wrote, “He was a straight shooter. He told you what he thought – often in elegantly phrased statements – and stuck by his opinions. He was a leader first and a politician second,” and, “His fiscal conservatism was influenced during his youth in the Great Depression. His love of community and country was shaped as a recent Elizabethtown High School graduate when America joined World War II. His life reflects much of what is so great about what we now call the Greatest Generation. He was devoted to serving others and to family.”  And again, on October 25, 2015, regarding the declaration of the R.R. Thomas Government Building downtown as surplus property, the editorial board of The News Enterprise wrote, “R.R. ‘Babe’ Thomas was a careful man with a dollar. Particularly when he was handling taxpayer dollars. Whether it was cautiously watching over the county’s spending or turning aside unnecessary federal grants, Thomas had a well-justified reputation as a fiscal conservative…Known for his trademark bow ties and extensive vocabulary, Thomas’ many accomplishments have been forgotten in some circles. But his cordial, but firm, nature, sense of fairness and ever-faithful service helped ensure the development and growth of Hardin County. He should not be forgotten.”

 

Rosalind Underwood 2017

Tradition of Excellence Alumni Award 2017

Rosalind S. Underwood graduated from EHS in 1983. She is a 1987 graduate of Purdue University with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. With over 30 years in the energy industry with LG&E and KU Energy, Rosalind, Project Leader in Generation Planning, has a broad range of experience including work force management, power plant performance, environmental compliance, wholesale natural gas and power markets, critical infrastructure protection (CIP), and price forecasting. Over the course of her career, Rosalind has been a leader in implementing systems/programs that have signified a new age of efficiency, environmental stewardship, and security in the industry. These systems include plant continuous emissions monitoring systems used to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act, the company’s first radio frequency-based automatic meter reading system, and the compliance program to meet North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC’s) CIP, vital to the security of the national power grid. While admittedly a science geek, Rosalind values people and relationships. Five years ago she launched her own business through Mary Kay Cosmetics in which she has won numerous awards at the local and corporate levels, including achieving the Princess Court of Sales and the great honor of being voted her unit’s Miss Go Give. She is particularly excited about the recent opening of her beauty studio, Positively P!NK Studio. Rosalind is fulfilling her mission of equipping other women to perform at their personal best. Rosalind also has a passion for children and youth and likewise works to equip them through life skill development. This work has included leadership roles with Kentuckiana Girl Scout Council as well as through the   children and youth ministries at her church. Rosalind enjoys traveling and family time with husband, Kevin, daughters, Jessica & Jordyn, her parents, and a large extended family. You can reach Rosalind at www.marykay.com/rosalind.underwood.

Timothy Walker 2013

Mr. Timothy Craig Walker graduated from EHS in 1977. He was a lifelong resident of Elizabethtown and very passionate about the City of Elizabethtown and the Elizabethtown Independent School District. He was a member of the First Christian Church, serving on many committees as well as a church nursery worker. Tim was a charter member of the Central Hardin Volunteer Fire Department. Tim was always ready to volunteer his time to help others, serving on the PTAs of both Helmwood Heights Elementary and T.K. Stone Middle School and he coached youth baseball for 9 years. Tim was a successful small business owner for many years. Tim began his career with the City of Elizabethtown in 1990 with the Fire Department. While there, he served on numerous employee committees and worked with the County Crusade for Children steering committee for many years. He left the Fire Department in 1996 after his wife suddenly passed away, as he needed to spend more time raising his young children than the job would allow. That same year, Tim was elected to the Elizabethtown City Council and in 2010 was elected Mayor of the City of Elizabethtown. His drive and passion for the city helped move the community forward during tough economic times. He made great strides in the redevelopment of the downtown area. His involvement with the Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundation allowed him to be directly involved in the recruitment of new companies to our community. His enthusiasm for economic development was evident in his willingness to travel abroad in recruiting business to Elizabethtown. Tim passed away but his life depicted the result of the quality education, values, and high standards that the Elizabethtown Independent School District strives to instill in each and every student, every day.

 

Arthur Meredith Walters 2016

Arthur Meredith Walters graduated from Bond-Washington High School in 1939. He was a social services administrator who is most recognized for his role as the Louisville Urban League's (LUL) Executive Director from 1970-1987. He joined the LUL, an affiliate of the National Urban League, in 1963 as their Director of Job Development and Employment; and from 1963 to 1987 he worked tirelessly in creating employment, housing, and educational opportunities previously denied minorities. He wrote the nationally recognized on-the-job training program for the League to assist the under-skilled and under-privileged in finding employment. This signature program helped to persuade Kentucky and area companies to hire, train, and recruit black workers. It became a model training program that was used throughout the network of League affiliates. He was a catalyst for change in desegregation, equal housing, job opportunities for minorities, innovations in program services, and a champion of race relations. Walters was born in Magnolia, Kentucky to the union of Tom and Mabel Walters. His early upbringing and influences instilled in him the love, importance, and strength of family and was the foundation for all his future success. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, earning the Bronze Star of Heroism, Medal of Merit, WWII Victory Medal, and the Soldier's Medal of Bravery. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after a 20 year military career. Throughout his life, he earned an impressive 100+ honors. He was widely respected for his sincerity, honesty, and unwavering commitment to his community. In February 2012, he was posthumously inducted as the 53rd honoree to the Gallery of Great Black Kentuckians, sponsored by the Kentucky Human Rights Commission. In 2014, his family launched The Arthur M. Walters Bridge Builders Project (AMWBBP), coordinating an annual Benefit Concert that continues to honor his legacy and that of his wife of 55 1/2 years, Noralee. Proceeds from the concert are distributed to reflect Walters' values and his life's work; ensuring that his ideals and dedicated life of service lives on in the hearts of his family and his community that he so dearly loved.

 

Gary P. West 2014

Gary P. West graduated from EHS in 1961. He attended Western Kentucky University and graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1967 with a journalism degree. While at U.K., he was a daily sports editor for the Kentucky Kernel. For almost 10 years he has been writing books as well as writing for Kentucky Monthly and Kentucky Living magazines in addition to a syndicated newspaper column, “Out & About...Kentucky Style,” published from Corbin to Murray and points in between. He is one of the best-selling authors in Kentucky and his books on Kentucky sports legends and Kentucky travel can be found in every major bookstore. He has been recognized by the Kentucky Press Association with a first place award for magazine writing. He served as executive director of the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation at Western Kentucky University, where under his leadership the foundation became the first organization in WKU’s history to raise over $1 million in one year. He also was on the Hilltopper Basketball Broadcast team for 13 years. In 1993, he became the executive director of the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau where he was directly involved with bringing the National Corvette Museum to the city. He was elected to chair both the Kentucky Tourism Council and the Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and was selected to be a delegate to the White House Conference on Tourism in Washington, D.C. He retired in 2006 to devote more time to his writing and the Visitors Center in Bowling Green was designated as “The Gary P. West Visitor Center.” Mr. West’s travel books, including, Eating Your Way Across Kentucky, Shopping Your Way Across Kentucky, and 101 Must Places to Visit, have become a staple in thousands of Kentuckians’ cars while traveling. He has also been recognized for his sports writing. Recently he was awarded the “Key to the City” by Corbin, Kentucky’s Mayor Willard McBurney for the difference in his book, The Boys From Corbin … America’s Greatest Little Sports Town, made in preserving an almost forgotten history of the town. Mr. West has been a driving force in establishing the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame and locating it in Elizabethtown.