FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2012) – Kentucky’s ranking in an annual grading of all states on key education indicators rose dramatically this year, placing the state 14th in the nation for its work on academic standards, the teaching profession and many other variables related to public education.

Each year, Education Week (a national publication that focuses on P-12 education) produces a special issue, “Quality Counts.” The report tracks key education indicators and grades states on their policy efforts and outcomes. Last year, Kentucky ranked 34th in the nation in this annual report.

“Kentuckians should take a great deal of pride in the Commonwealth’s standings related to P-12 education,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Kentucky continues to show measureable progress in education, and the rankings provided in ‘Quality Counts’ recognize the hard work of teachers, administrators, parents and community members.”

“Much of the impetus for Kentucky’s high ranking can be traced to 2009’s Senate Bill 1,” said Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday. “That legislation set us on a course to become a leader nationwide, and with the support of Gov. Beshear, legislators, teachers, administrators and parents, Kentucky’s work in school accountability, teacher training, college/career readiness and stronger academic standards is moving us in the right direction.”

“Quality Counts” provides data and information about states’ efforts in six areas:

• K-12 Achievement
• Standards, Assessments & Accountability
• Teaching Profession
• School Finance
• Transitions & Alignment
• Chance for Success (an index that combines information from 13 indicators that cover state residents’ lives from cradle to career)

States were assigned overall letter grades based on the average of scores for the six categories. This year, Kentucky’s overall grade was C+, an improvement over last year’s grade and a higher grade than the national average, which was a C.

No states received a grade of A in the 2012 edition of “Quality Counts.” The highest-ranking state was Maryland, with a B+. Three states received B grades; five states received B- grades; and five states (including Kentucky) received C+ grades.

*”Quality Counts” does not provide ratings on all of the six categories each year.

“Quality Counts” also provides detailed scoring for each major area, and on a 100-point scale, Kentucky scored at 90 or above in three areas: School Accountability (Standards, Assessment & Accountability), Building & Supporting Capacity (Teaching Profession) and Equity (School Finance). The state’s lowest score was in the area of Spending (School Finance), in which Kentucky’s total was 52.2 points.

DETAILED SCORING INFORMATION – “QUALITY COUNTS”

This is the 16th edition of the annual “Quality Counts” report, and the theme this year is American schooling from an international perspective. The issue examines the nation’s place among the world’s public education systems and provides a fresh look at the political, social and cultural challenges the United States faces in preparing its students for the workforce demands of an interconnected world economy.

This year’s state reports also highlight challenges posed by a difficult economic climate, as states continue to make cuts to policies and programs in attempt to balance their budgets.

The full report is available at http://www.edweek.org/.

Chassidi Strong

She graduated from HCTC in 2006 with two degrees – Associate in Arts and Associate of Applied Science in Human Services. Just one year later she earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University and she is now enrolled at University of the Cumberlands, another UCM partner, to obtain a master’s degree so she can teach elementary students.
She has high praise for her college experience. “I thought it was very professional and organized with professors that really knew the content and were able to help students apply the content to real life. Staff and professors were eager to help students in any way they could. The programs and classes helped a lot of people, like me, extend their education and earn their degrees, whereas they may not have if they would have had to transfer and move to another 4 year college. The time and money that I personally saved by getting to stay at home was such a tremendous asset.”
Many students speak of the benefit of attending the UCM and juggling other life responsibilities. “At the time I attended EKU via UCM, I was pregnant and then had my daughter. The care that an infant requires often hinders students from finishing their educations. With UCM, I was provided the opportunity to remain close to home and earn my bachelor’s degree,” Strong said.  ”This is our reason for being,” commented Deronda Mobelini, Director of the University Center of the Mountains.  ”We provide improved access to four-year and graduate level  degree options for our student, often individuals who also carry the additional responsibility of family and/or work while attending college.  I love the way Chassadi has made use of the programs offered by the various partners, thus working her way through HCTC to EKU and now on to University of the Cumberlands for her graduate work.”
Chassidi also benefited from the interactive television learning classroom style. “The ITV classes were so great! It was really amazing to be one of the first students to get to use that type of technology to earn college credits. This was a major positive step towards higher education for our local communities.”
Strong said she would recommend the UCM to others wanting to obtain a college degree. “I did not have one negative experience with UCM. Only great things can come from students expanding their education. UCM provides working students, students with children, regular students, etc. with the chance to fit college into their lives with online courses, ITV courses, evening and even weekend courses.
This UCM graduate excelled in her classes and earned the EKU President’s Award for graduating with a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0.
Her future involves earning a second master’s degree and then earning her Rank 1 status for teaching. “I hope to be one of those teachers that truly makes a positive impact on my students’ lives. Possibly, I will one day be head of some type of reading and writing program that will help strengthen our students and diverse learners in basic reading and writing skills.”
Chassidi and husband Josh have a six-year-old daughter, Madison. The family lives at Whick.
Want to become the next UCM success story? Call 606-487-3182.

Tony Watts and Breathitt Skills (Photo submitted)

Dr. Steve Greiner and KCTCS President Dr. Michael B. McCall. The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) honored 35 of the state’s leading individuals, businesses, and foundations for their generous philanthropic and voluntary support during the 12th annual President’s Gala and Benefactors’ Awards Dinner.  The Breathitt County Skills Inc. has made educational space available to HCTC in Jackson over the years in the historic Jefferson Hotel property which was renovated in 2002 and 2003. Dedicated local officials and business and community leaders on the board secured funding for the Breathitt Skills Center renovation. The board transferred ownership of the facility this year to KCTCS as part of the Lees College Campus of HCTC. Two other HCTC Benefactors honored this year were Dr. Mitchell Wicker and Perry Distributors Inc.

Perry Distributors is the 2011 KCTCS Benefactor Award recipient for their contributions to HCTC.

2011 Nov. Perry Distributors (Photo submitted)

Dr. Greiner honors Don Fields (center) and Bill Fields for their dedication to education and generous financial support. Don Fields, his family, and their business Perry Distributors have been supporting Hazard Community and Technical College through generous financial contributions for many years. Don has served on the Hazard Independent College Foundation for more than a decade and assisted in fundraising efforts at the College. His son, Billy, who manages the successful distributor firm, is very active in promoting the College and making financial contributions. The Fields’ family contributions include donations for scholarships, the Greater Hazard Area Performing Arts Series, the startup of the University Center of the Mountains and sponsorship of various events. Also honored with 2011 KCTCS awards were Dr. Mitch Wicker, former chair of the Hazard Independent College Foundation, and Tony Watts of the Breathitt County Skills Center.

Breathitt School officials Indicted for failure to report alleged crimes against students.

In a shocking development in a case that involved an adult, Charles Andrew Mitchell, 27, of Breathitt County, accused of several sex related crimes against minor children under the age of 16 years old, 4Breathitt School System members have been indicted.  According to the indictments, Superintendent Arch Turner, along with David Napier, teacher Michael Blowing and S.M.S. Principal Reggie Hamilton were all indicted on Class “B” Misdemeanors. According to the indictments all four failed to report the alleged sex crimes of Mr. Mitchell to proper authorities. The Indictments reads as follows for Hamilton, Turner & Napier:

The Grand Jury Charges: that on or about 9th day of May, 2011 in Breathitt County, Kentucky, the aboved named defendants, Reggie Hamilton, David Napier and Arch Turner: Committed the offense of failure to report dependenct, neglect, or abuse when they, being a supervisor who received a report of suspected dependency, neglect, or abuse from an employee, failed to promtly make a report to the proper authorities for investigation, against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Indictment against Bowling reads:

Ther Grand Jury Charges: That on or about 9th day of May 2011, in Breathitt County, the above named defendant, Michael Bowling: Committed the offense of failure to report Dependency, Neglect or Abuse when he, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that a child was dependent, neglected, or abused, failed to immediately cause an Oral or Written report to be made to Law Enforcement or to the Cabinet against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

According to the Indictment on Charles Andrew Mitchell, Mitchell allegedly committed 15 seperate counts of sex related crimes against minor children under the age of 16 years of age. It was these alleged crimes that were apparently reported to Principal Hamilton, Assistant Superintendent Napier, Michael Bowling and Superintendent Turner, and according to their indictments, were not reported to proper authorities.

We will have complete details of all the indictments later today, as soon as more records and information can be obtained.

The HCTC graduates include the following:

Barren County
Lucas Cash Vaught of Glasgow.

Bell County
Elizabeth Arlene Hensley of Middlesboro, Rebecca Jo Lawson of Stoney Fork.

Breathitt County
Michelle LeeAnn Adams of Jackson, Nicholas Tyler Allen of Jackson, Crystal Marlene Back of Jackson, Emily Renee Back of Clayhole, Natasha LeAnn Bailey of Jackson, Amber Nicole Baker of Jackson, Veronica Jean Barnett of Jackson, Mary A. Bates of Jackson, Jacinda Kress Blanton of Jackson, Nicole T. Bowles of Jackson, Elizabeth Bowling of Jackson,  Jeanne Kendra Lynann Bowling of     Jackson, Misty Nichole Bowling of Vancleve, Jennifer R. Brown of Jackson, Brittany Nicole Campbell of Jackson,  Jerry L. Campbell of Jackson, Kimberly Nicole Campbell of Jackson, Kayla Danielle Caudill of Jackson, Kayla Danielle Caudill of Jackson.

And, Tiffany Kaye Chaney of Wolfcoal, Chasity Paige Chatt of Jackson, Tammy Juanita Childers of Jackson, Brittany Nicole Combs of Jackson, Heather Nichole Combs of Jackson, Miranda Marie Combs of Jackson, Ricky D. Combs of Jackson, Susie Lynn Combs of Jackson, Theresa Jean Combs of Lost Creek, Jill Rena Couch of Jackson, Trey William Coyle of Jackson, Melissa Mae Crase of Vancleve, Andrew James Davidson of Jackson, Ruth Nichole Day of Jackson, RaBerta Brianna Deaton of Jackson, Teresa Bula Dousay of Jackson, Jessica Helen Emerson of Jackson, Chrystal Dawn Everette of Jackson, Carla Ann Farley of Jackson.
Also,  Bobby Fraley of Clayhole, Sonya G. Fraley of Jackson, Karisha Faye Friley of Jackson, Cassandra Brooke Fugate of Rousseau, Shalayna Danielle Fugate of Jackson, Kayla Gail Gabbard of Jackson, Jennifer LouAnn Gibson of Lost Creek, Larry Charles Griffin of Whick, Angela Nicole Gross of Wolfcoal, Ricky Daniel Haddix of Jackson, Bonita Tiffany Hamblin of Jackson, Ryan Scott Hamblin of Jackson, Brittany Michelle Hardin of Jackson, Joana Harkins of Lost Creek, Kayla Nicole Hensley of Jackson.

And, Christina Louise Henson of Lost Creek, Jennifer H. Herald of Talbert, Joshua Seth Hollon of Jackson, Tiffany Rose Hollon of Jackson, Emily Jo Howard of Jackson, Heather Ranee Howard of Jackson, William Tyler Howard of Jackson, Jacob Randall Hudson of Jackson, Kimberly Renne Jennings of Jackson, Amber Johnson of Jackson, Anna Marie Johnson of Jackson, Denise Lorraine Johnson of Jackson, Lisa Marie Johnson of Jackson, Victoria Alicia Kidd of Jackson, Tiara JoAnn Kinder of Jackson, Erica Lyn King of Jackson, Teresa Little of Jackson, Loni Nicole Lucas of Jackson, Rosa LeeAnn McClees of Jackson.

Also, Joseph Owen McGregor of Jackson, Crystal Jane McIntosh of Jackson, Cynthia Paige McIntosh of Jackson, Lisa Michelle McIntosh of Jackson, Seth D. McKnight of Jackson, Julia Ann Montgomery of Rousseau, Rebecca June Moore of Jackson, Spencer Moor of Jackson, Tammy Denise Moor of Jackson, Jarrod Brandon Morgan of Jackson, Leanne Morgan of Jackson, Linda Faye Morris of Jackson, Leanna Marie Mullins of Jackson, Jessica Neace of Lost Creek, Sara Jo Neace of Campton, Cynthia Paige Noble of Jackson, Jamie Lynn Olinger of Jackson, Angela R. Patrick of Jackson, Betty Jean Pennington of Jackson, Sara Beth Pennington of Jackson.

And, Silas Todd Pennington of Jackson, Whitney Danielle Pennington of Jackson, Shirley Carolann Penze of Jackson, Isis D. Ramsey of Campton, Brandy Nicole Rice of Jackson, Tina Ritchie of Jackson, Samantha Gail Roberts of Jackson, Jennifer Beth Robinson of Jackson, Tiffany J. Robinson of Jackson, Jeremy Ray Ross of Jackson, Andrew Garrett Sewell of Jackson, Granville S. Sewell of Jackson, Candice Alene Shelton of Jackson, Aaron Michael Shepherd of Jackson, Jessica L. Sizemore of Whick, Natasha A. Skidmore of Lost Creek, Tina E. Smith of Jackson, Amanda Marie Southwood  of Clayhole.

Also, Katie E. Spencer of Jackson, Billy Nick Spencer, Jr. of Jackson, Brittney Denise Spicer of Talbert, Carol Lee Spicer of Vancleve, Christopher Brandon Spicer of Jackson, Joseph A. Spicer of Jackson, Crystal Lynn Stacy of Jackson, Adam Thi Strong of Jackson, Donald Wesley Strong of Whick, Rebecca Gayle Taulbee of Jackson, Sierra ShiAnn Taulbee of Vancleve, Ashley Nicole Terry of Vancleve, Cecily Mae Terry of Jackson, Brittany Ann Thomassy of Jackson, Jesse Thorpe, Jr. of Vancleve, Ashley Nicole Trent of Clayhole, Amy Lynn Turner of Altro, Aneda S. Turner of Wolfcoal, April Van Zant of Jackson, Steven David Vanzant of Jackson, Kasie M. Wallace of Jackson, Tonya Elaine Watts of Jackson, Wilma S. Wells of Clayhole, Samantha Jean Whitaker of Clayhole, Bobby E. Whitaker III of Clayhole, Donna Jean White of Jackson, Faye White of Lost Creek, Russell Spencer Wyrick of Jackson.

Clark County
Lindsay Morgan Rogers of Winchester.

Clay County
Roxana L. Abner of Garrard, Leah Ann Collins of Manchester, Kelsey Renee Couch of Manchester, Megan Nichole Couch of Big Creek, Jacqueline D. Hacker of Manchester, Brandon J. Hicks of Manchester, Katrina Johanna Jaspersen of Onedia, Angelia Jobe of Manchester, Jeanne Lynn Marshall of Manchester, Alicia Carol Rock of Big Creek, Betty Carol Sizemore of Manchester, Lucinda Gail Sizemore of Manchester, Tiffany Ann Turner of Manchester, and Karen Jean Woods of Manchester.

Floyd County
Katrina Danielle Allen of Prestonsburg, Randi Leigh Anderson of Bevinsville, Stephanie Marie Clark of Langley, Trevor Ray Compton of Prestonsburg, Whitney Nashae Conley of Garrett, Whitney Jordan Hall of Martin, Kristin Dinae Hamilton of Banner, Tyler Paige Johnson of Melvin, Kayla R. Kidd of Betsy Layne, Sabrina Lynn Lafferty of Hippo, Tonya Gail Lawson of Garrett, Tracy Darnell LeMaster of McDowell,  Zachary D. Meade of Minnie, Angela R. Muncy of Prestonsburg,  Marleana Newman of McDowell, Jennifer Edith Osborne of Allen, Matthew G. Potter of Prestonsburg, Sarah Nichole Salisbury of David, Amanda Lee Stumbo of Minnie, Jessica A. Tackett of Wheelwright, Samantha Nicole Tackett of Hi Hat, Emily Roshelle Webb of Garrett, Heather R. Wells of Prestonsburg, and Robert Shawn Wilks of Prestonsburg.

Franklin County
John T. Mitchell of Frankfort.

Jackson County
Robert L. Booker of Sandgap.

Johnson County
Sharon Combs of Paintsville, Marissa Elise Roe of West Van Lear, and LeaAuna Faith Tackett of Staffordsville.

Knott County
Penny Adams of Topmost, Joelle Denise Amburgey of Mallie, Tiffany R. Anderson of Kite, Kayla Ashley of Hindman, Elizabeth A. Bates of Hindman, Regina Beverly of Hueysville, Sandra Yvonne Boucher of Emmalena, Brittany Noel Brashear of Littcarr, Logan Scott Calhoun of Kite, Heather Michelle Carmody of Hindman, Elizabeth Dorothy Caron of Emmalena, Adam C. Caudill of Red Fox, Cody A. Caudill of Topmost, Matthew Steven Caudill of Topmost, Robert Kain Caudill of Hindman, Caitlin Micheal Collins of Pine Top, Tabitha Lynn Collins of Pippa Passes, Bob B. Combs of Hindman,  Kyrsten L. Conley of Mousie, Thomas D. Conley of Leburn.

And,  LaVonna Cook of Carrie, Leah Rae Cornett of Mallie, Luci Angelia Cornett of Sassafras, Angela Fields of Hindman, Devin N. Fugate of Carrie, Montanna Rae Gibson of Kite, Mary M. Glenn of Red Fox, Donisha Leshay  Hagans of Sassafras, Aaron Micah Hall of Mousie, Brittany Lynn Hall of Raven, Whitney Elizabeth Hall of Kite, Amber Brooke Holliday of Hindman, Allison Hollifield of Fisty, Whitney N. Howard of Leburn, Jessica N. Hudson of Redfox, Tiffany Jean Hurley of Kite, Kimberly R. Jacobs of Hindman, Marinda Elizabeth Jacobs of Pippa Passes, Elizabeth Peggy King of Kite, Kristy Kay Laferty of Hindman.

Also, Angela Lee Maggard of Littcarr, Jennifer L. Maggard of Leburn, James Miles of Bulan, Deborah Sue Miller of Leburn, Jerrica  N. Miller of Littcarr, Crystal L. Mosley of Hindman, Jimmy J. Mosley of Hindman, Toni R. Mullins of Mallie, LaShane Nix of Littcarr, Jaimie L. Noble of Emmalena, Amanda Jane Owens of Hindman, Kasey Dawn Owens of Vest, Melissa A. Pennington of Pine Top, Adam D. Portwood of Redfox, Kimella Ray of Pine Top, Sydney Paige Roark of Sassafras, Brittany Celeste Roberts of Topmost, Eric S. Scott of Mousie, Anthony Slone of Hindman, Carol Lynn Slone of Mousie, Connie Slone of Mallie, Deliha L. Slone of Garner.

And, Dylan B. Slone of Pine Top, Joshua Kyle Slone of Mallie, Melissa Nicole Slone of Garner, Ralph Martin Slone of Hindman, Stephanie Marie Slone of Fisty, Tyler B. Slone of Mallie, Craig Allen Smith of Pippa Passes, Jared A. Spencer of Hindman, Samantha J. Sturgill of Redfox, Amanda Nicole Terry of Hindman, Catherine Joyce Terry of Hindman, Natasha K. Thomas of Kite, Wendy J. Tolson of Mallie, Kommi Lynnette Webb of Hindman, and Monica Lynn Williams of Pine Top.

Knox County
Susan R. Mills of Gray.

Laurel County
Lois Elizabeth Brummett of London, Janell A. Campbell of London, Mark A. Fields of London, and Mark Hogan Fields of London.

Lawrence County
Brittany Nicole Bailey of Louisa.

Lee County
Kelly Shaunte’ Allen of Beattyville, Tara N. Barker of Beattyville, Melissa Ann Begley of Beattyville, Miranda Brandenburg of Beattyville, Mallie Susanna Campbell of Beattyville, Melissa Sue Campbell of Beattyville, Nancy Campbell of Beattyville, Teresa Ann Caudill of Beattyville, Mamie J. Charles of Beattyville, Shanna Dale Charles of Zoe, Sarah Ann Crabtree of Beattyville, Cory B. Dunaway of Beattyville, Shannon Lynn Estes of Beattyville, Vanessa Lynn Flinchum of Zoe, Jordan Ruth Frye of Beattyville, James Nicholas Fultz of Beattyville, Donna J. Haley of Beattyville, Tina Marie Hobbs of St. Helens, Chris Holiday of Beattyville.

And, Melissa A. Judd of Beattyville, Pamela Noelle Kehler of Beattyville, Cecilia Ann Lawson of Zoe, Susan Evelyn Lawson of Zoe, Pepper Lynn Mays of Beattyville, Ashley Nicole Moore of Beattyville, Terri L. Moore of Beattyville, Jessica Renee Pelfrey of Beattyville,  Rodney Dale Pence of Beattyville, Tiffany Ann Rich of Beattyville, Joshua Roberts of Beattyville, Teresa Gail Shackelford of Beattyville, Ethel Evelyn Shaw of Beattyville, Amanda Ruth Shelton of Beattyville, Marissa N. Shuler of Beattyville, Kathryn Smith of Beattyville, Lucinda Faith Smith of Beattyville, Tamanda Dora Stamper of Beattyville, Elizabeth Maria Tester of Beattyville, Brittany Tirey of Beattyville, and Nancy Sue Turner of Beattyville.

Leslie County
Carrie B. Adams of Hyden, Travis H. Adams of Hyden, Christopher Lige Asher of Wooton, Kayla R. Asher of Wooton, Ashley Nicole Bailey of Hyden, Kristen M. Baker of Wooton, Michelle Renee Baker of Stinnett, Charles Wilson Baker, Jr. of Hyden, Nathan Wayne Banks of Hyden, Rhonda Leigh Belcher of Wooton, Kimberly L. Blevins of Hyden, Elizabeth Ashley Bramble of Hyden, James Andy Brock of Wooton, Casey Matthew Clark of Smilax, Amanda Irene Collett of Wooton,  April Collett of Stinnett, Kayla A. Collett of Hyden, Kayla Mae Collett of Warbranch, Mary Elizabeth Collett of Asher, Serena Joy Collett of Helton, Stacey M. Collett of Hyden,  Brandon Douglas Collins of Thousandsticks, Raymond P. Collins of Hyden, Angela Combs of Wooton, Melissa Ann Conrad of Bear Branch, Otis Lee Cootsof Smilax, Billie Lynn Couch of Hyden, Tanya Mariel Couch of Hyden, Thomas Cornelious Couch of Bear Branch, Timothy Ray Couch of Essie, Sierra Oakia Crouch of Stinnett, Tiffany I. Davidson of Wooton, Chelsie Ladora Disney of Stinnett, Cassaundra Helen Fee of Hyden, Kaylee R. Fields of Smilax, Jennifer Elaine Fouts of Wooton, Angelia Gross of Yeaddiss, Debra L. Gross of Yeaddiss, Cody Lance Hacker of Stinnett, Cory Anthony Hacker of Hyden,        Jennifer Carol Hacker of Stinnett, Katrina Carol Hacker of Stinnett, Marina Kimbrelle Hacker of Stinnett, Lindsey B. Hamilton of Essie, Andrea Leann Hensley of Hyden, Jessica Lynn Hoskins of Hyden, Stacy Renae Hoskins of Asher, Jonathan Daniel Huff of Yeaddiss, Betty J. Joseph of Wooton, Sonya D. Joseph of Smilax, Tonya Kaye Joseph of Wooton, Quintin C. Lewis of Hyden, Tonya Gayle Lowe of Hyden, Sherry Maggard of Stinnett, Stacy Renae Maggard of Hyden, Tabatha Kaye Maggard of Stinnett, Jeffrey E. Martin of Hyden, Lida Renee McIntosh of Hyden, Brandi M. Morgan of Stinnett, Brittany April Morgan of Stinnett, Chasley A. Morgan of Essie, Janice June Morgan of Essie, Leslie J. Nantz of Chappell, Chandra Brooke Napier of Stinnett, Rebecca Johntina Napier of Stinnett, Shanna Reshelle Napier of Essie, Victoria Donielle Nolan of Hyden, Shawna Marie North of Wooton, Amberly Pace of Hyden, Marta Joi Pace of Hyden, Casey A. Papendieck of Hyden, Lacey Brooke Parks of Hyden, Helen Malinda Pennington of Wooton, Justin Broc Poloni of Warbranch, Jasmine M. Roark of Roark, Brittany Lee Saylor of Bear Branch, Carla Rose Simpson of Asher, Megan L. Sizemore of Hyden, Elizabeth Danielle Smith of Hyden, Jessica Lynn Smith of Yeaddiss, Leandra Gail Smith of Stinnett, Robert K. Smith of Thousandsticks, Norma J. Wagers of Smilax, Christine M. Wells of Hyden, Kayla L. Wells of Hyden, Shelly Denise Wells of Hyden, Amanda M. Williams of Smilax, Amy Breann Wooton of Hyden, Diana Lorelle Wooton of Smilax.

Letcher County
Eden Rena Adams of Whitesburg, Leslie Victoria Adams of Isom, Holly Danielle Bentley of Hallie, Stewart Machlyn Blair of Jeremiah, Jessica C. Boggs of Whitesburg, Tracy Campbell of Premium, Justin R. Caudill of Thornton, Tekiah Dezarae Caudill of Blackey, David J. Day of Ermine, Donnie Ray Dixon of Gordon, Dreamela T. Dixon of Hallie, Andrea Mullins Duty of Mc Roberts, Adam Basil Fugate of Whitesburg, Jonathan B. Gibson of Whitesburg, Lindsey Marie Hensley of Jeremiah, Misty L. Kincer of Cromona, Billy Michael Kiser of Millstone, Whitney Lowe of Jeremiah, Jessica B. Lucas of Thornton, Savannah Nicole Mullins of Mayking, Mary L. Niece of Whitesburg, Aaron R. Profitt of Whitesburg, Laura Laverne Roark of Hallie, Matthew Shane Rose of Whitesburg, Melody Monique Sexton of Isom, Tina Marie Sexton of Isom, Curtis Wayne Shell of Isom, Brandy Louella Smith of Whitesburg, Megan Danielle Tolliver of Jackhorn, Nicholas Watts of Hallie.

Magoffin County
Brittney Z. Cheek of Salyersville, Johnda Sue Elsea of Salyersville, April Renee Kirk of Salyersville, James Bradley Marshall of Salyersville, Jennifer I. Miller of Salyersville, and Krystal Dawn Prater of Salyersville.

Morgan County
William M. Dixon of West Liberty, Deborah Lynn Gavalchik of West Liberty, and Arlie Jason Hamilton of West Liberty.

Owsley County
Janet Rene Anderson of Booneville, Brandi Back of Booneville, Amanda Nicole Callahan of Ricetown, Samantha Leigh Collins of Booneville, Christopher Lee Creech of Booneville, Charles Alfred Gipson of Booneville, Ashley Nicole Gross of Booneville, Christopher Ray Jackson of Booneville, Craig Steven Marshall of Booneville, Dannel K. Marshall of Booneville, Adam Tyler McIntosh of Booneville, Lesa McKinney of Booneville, April Sophia Morris of Booneville, Jessica Renee Murrell of Booneville, Sarah Monique Neace of Booneville, Misty Oliver of Booneville, Kayla Rose Peters of Booneville, Brittany Rena’ Price of Booneville, Shana Renee’ Terry of Booneville, Adam David Thomas of Booneville, Heather L. Toy of Booneville, Ashley T. Turner of Booneville, Whittney LeAnn Younts  of Booneville.

Perry County
Kelly M. Abner of Hazard, Lindsey Danielle Abner of Buckhorn, Tiffany A. Adams of Hazard, Doris K. Akers of Scuddy, Leslie Shane Allen of Hazard, Tonya R. Ambrose of Krypton, Jarrod L. Amburgey of Hazard, Stephen E. Amis of Buckhorn, Katie D. Anderson of Hazard, Melissa Katherine Asher of Hazard, Tara N. Bailey of Hazard, Gwendolyn Melton Bain of Hazard, Tammi Renee Baisden of Hazard, Brittany D. Baker of Hazard, Ginger C. Baker of Hazard, Irene K. Baker of Bonnyman, Kimberly Jo Baker of Hazard, Lillian Alexandria Baker of Bonnyman, Rita Baker of Combs, Effie Ballard of Hazard, Judy L. Barger of Vicco.
And, Lisa Danielle Barger of Chavies, Joshua Elliot Scott Bargo of Viper,  Beverly Ann Barker of Chavies, Linda Barrett of Hazard, Kimberly D. Begley of Avawam, Vernon J. Begley of  Bonnyman, Crystal Gail Boardwine of Hazard, Dustin E. Boffo of Viper, Stacy Vanessa Bowen of Hazard, Donna K. Bowling of Avawam, Heather Dawn Bowling of Bonnyman, Larry Anthony Bowling of Bonnyman, Patricia Ann Bowling of Buckhorn, Cara M. Branson of Vicco, Charles Conley Brewer of Bulan, Kristi Rose Brewer of Hazard.

Also, Megan Lynelle Brewer of Chavies, Deonna Lynn Brock of Hazard, Kristi Michelle Bryant of Bonnyman, Chasitie Nichole Bush of Hazard, Myrtle J. Bush of Dwarf, Kaitlin Kasandra Caines of Bulan, Brandon Paul Campbell of Hazard, Chanda J. Campbell of Hazard, James William Campbell of Hazard, Lela Alisha Campbell of Hazard, Natasha Leah Campbell of Hazard, Brittany Nicole Cantrell of Cornettsville, Brooklyn Carroll of Hazard, Ginger S. Carroll of Chavies, Abrelia Delynn Caudill of Vicco, Jason K. Caudill of Hazard, John W. Caudill of Cornettsville,Maria Lynn Caudill of Viper, Cobina K. Childers of Dwarf.

And,  Rhonda Church of Hazard, Kasey S. Cockrell of Hazard, Kelly Cockrell of Bulan, Patricia Cockrell of Chavies, Robert L. Cole of Hazard, Casey Nicole Collins of Hazard, Justin Donald Collins of Vicco, Melinda Jean Collins of Vicco, Timothy W. Collins of Happy, Britney Nicole Colwell of Busy, Whitney Nicole Colwell of Hazard, Angelique Nicole Combs of Bulan, Billy Wayne Combs of Vicco, Brenda K. Combs of Hazard, Caleb Combs of Hazard, James Curtis Combs of Chavies, Kaela B. Combs of Bulan, Mary Jean Combs of Vicco, Phyllis Combs of Hazard, Stephanie Nichelle Combs of Hazard, Charles Eugene Combs II of Combs, Linda Carol Compton of Hazard, Brian Archelaus Cook of Viper.

Also, Brittany Nicole Coots of Cornettsville, Kristen Danielle Coots of Viper, Joshua S. Cornett of Hazard, Katlan Ethel Cornett of Viper, Theodore Wayne Cornett of Hazard, Brittany Danielle Costello of Hazard, Amanda M. Couch of Busy, Brian L. Couch of Happy, Deborah Kaye Couch of Krypton, Jennifer Renee Couch of Busy, Krista Michele Couch of Hazard, Mary Couch of Bonnyman, John Floyd Craft of Hazard, Lois R. Crowder of Ary, Lisa J. Davidson of Jeff, Daniel Douglas Dawhare of Hazard, Cassandra S. Day of Krypton, Micheal Todd Day of Hazard, Jennifer Ellen Dean of Busy, Linda G. Dean of Busy, Patricia Dean of Busy.

And, Whitney Nicole Dillion of Viper, Candace Lekeish Dobson of Bulan, Jeremy Scott Dobson of Bulan, Amy R. Dunn of Vicco, Michael D. Dunn of Vicco, Bethany M. Eddington of Viper, Jasmine Skye Eddington of Hazard, James Michael Eldridge of Slemp, Windy Michelle Enfusse of Bulan, John Kolby Epperson of Hazard, Daphne Bret Everidge of Hazard, Bryan Darrell Eversole of Busy, Crystal Gail Eversole of Hazard, Jessica Eversole of Hazard, Catherine Elaine Fannin of Hazard, Carlin S. Farler of Viper, Kimberley Lynn Farrell of Hazard, Cody Rene Feltner of Hazard, Courtney Paige Feltner of Hazard, Joseph Adam Feltner of Viper.

Also, Katherine A. Feltner of Hazard, Shannon Renee Feltner of Hazard, Timothy Dwayne Feltner of BusyMarc A. Fisher of Viper, Steven Craig Fraley of Hazard, Jeanie M. Francis of Hazard, Woodrow W. Francis of Bulan, Brandon L. Fugate of Bulan, Caitlin Alexandria Fugate of Combs, Fallon M. Fugate of Hazard, Jesse Dean Fugate of Chavies, Mary Rose Fugate of Hazard, Joshua Travis Gay  of Chavies, Roger Brandon Gay of Chavies, Gene Gayheart of Hazard, Justin Roger Gayheart of Happy, Stephanie Rhnea Gayheart of Hazard, William Edward Gibson of Hazard,  Sarah C. Goff of Hazard.
And, Candice LeAnne Grigsby of Hazard, Earl Douglas Grigsby of Viper, Tonya Grubb of Hazard, Keshia Hackworth of Bonnyman, Aaron C. Hall         of Hazard, Alexander Ray Hall of Hazard, Ashley Lynn Hall of Busy, Christopher Fess Hall of Dwarf, Dorsey Nathaniel Hall of Viper, Stephanie E. Hall of Viper, Victoria Hall of Hazard, Andrea Jo Hall-Mercado of Hazard, Adam James Hamblin of Krypton, Alesia Fay Hardin of Bonnyman, Jessica R. Hick of Hazard, Kyle Mitchell Hill of Hazard, Nichole S. Holbrook of Hazard, Kyle W. Holland of Bulan, Joseph Curtis Holliday of Ary, Christy Lee Hollon of Ary, Valeriea Jo Horn of Dwarf.
Also, Ronald Bradley Howard of Krypton, Windy Spring Huff of Hazard, Alisha Gail Hughes of Hazard, Rhonda Gail Hughes of Hazard,James Rudolph Hunter of Hazard, Jessica Hurd of Bonnyman, Amy Patricia Hurley of Vicco, Danny H. Hurley of Chavies, Jacqueline Katrina Hurt of Hazard, Amanda M. Jent of Bulan, Ronald Eugene Jent, Jr. of Hazard, Darlene Johnson of Bonnyman, Kelvin T. Johnson of Hazard, Kristy Leigh Johnson of Hazard, Martha Ann Johnson of Hazard, Michael Johnson of Bonnyman, Nicholas James Johnson of Hazard, Victoria Lynn Johnson of Hazard, Jacqulyn Brooke Jones of Ary, Timothy Wayne Jones of Gays Creek.

And, Brittany L. Joseph of Hazard, Clarissa Tessia Joseph of Hazard, Michael P. Kelly of Viper, Alonda Gail Kilburn of Hazard, Tabitha N. Kilburn of Hazard, Polly Gwen Knight of Krypton, Nina Lawson of Yerkes, Amanda E. Lewis of Hazard, Lauren N. Lindon of Hazard, Tyler McKinley Lowe of Hazard, Nathan John Lyttle of Bulan, James R. Madden of Rowdy, Kristen Michelle Madden of Hazard, Jordan Cody Maggard of Viper, Justin Cory Maggard of Viper, Miracle T. Maggard of Jeff, Toni M. Maggard of Hazard, Dana Ann McIntosh of Chavies, Elizabeth Jane McIntosh of Hazard, Joseph Wesley McKenney of Viper.
Also, Andrea Dione Melton of Chavies, Laura Melton of Hazard, Melvina Melton of Chavies, Andrew William Messer of Hazard, Michael D. Miles of Hazard, Ashley A. Miller of Chavies, David Grant Miller of Chavies, Deborah Kaye Miller of Hazard, Jimmy Ray Miller of Bulan, Lauren Brooke Miller of Busy, Ruth B. Miller of Chavies, Tamela Ann Miller of Cornettsville, Christina Mize of Busy, Mary Elizabeth Mize of Bonnyman, Whitney E. Moore of Chavies, Mark Abbott Morgan of Hazard, Abbie Gail Morris of Yerkes, Amanda Mullins of Hazard, Carlos Mullins of Hazard, Kelly L. Mullins of Chavies.
And, Mallory Kaitlyn Mullins of Hazard, Darrell Murray of Happy, Adna Sue Napier of Bonnyman, Betty Lou Napier of Bonnyman, Paula Jean Napier of Ary, Raeanna M. Napier of Hazard, Steven M. Napier of Bulan,Daniel Joel Neace of Chavies, Shawn D. Neace of Hazard, Timothy Neace of Gays Creek, Tammy Lou Nevarez of Viper, James Edward Newman of Viper, Ashley Nicole Noble of Rowdy, Mara Brooke Noble of Bonnyman, Rhonda K. Noble of Hazard, Christan Ashley Norton of Hazard, Delilah Oakes of Hazard, Larry Oden of Hazard, Jeffery Olinger of Hazard, Crystal Lynn Osborne of Hazard, Douglas E. Pence of Hazard.
Also, David Edward Lee Perry of Avawam, Whitney Elizabeth Phillips of Hazard, Mary  N. Pollard of Hazard, Clyde Bradley Pratt of Viper, Ryan O’Neil Pratt of Hazard, Susan Davena Pratt of Bulan, Jordan Kimber Prewitt of Bulan, Roger Eugene Raichel of Hazard, Jessica Marie Reed of Hazard, Jacqueline T. Rhodes of Delphia, James Darrell Ritchie of Vicco, Michael Shayne Ritchi of Dwarf, Shena R. Ritchie of Dwarf, Vanessa Denise Roberts of Jeff, Robby J. Robinson of Chavies, Rikki Dawn Runyon of Bulan, Heather Michelle Searcy of Bulan, Joy Lynn Sebastian of Hazard, Joshua Allen Sexton of Bulan, Kimberly Renee Sexton of Hazard, Kendall  Shepherd of Happy.

And, Kimberly Rhnea Smallwood of Combs, Bridgette R. Smith of Hazard, Christopher Ray Smith of Dwarf, Kayla Nicole Smith of Bulan, Kortni Layne Smith of Hazard, Misty Rose Smith of Hazard, Sherri Michelle Smith of Avawam, Justin R. Spencer of Hazard, Angela Spicer of Krypton, Cherisa Gail Stacy of Bulan, Kenneth Brandon Stacy of Avawam, Andy Stidham of Hazard, Devan Earlene Stidham of Chavies, Kristina Stollings of Hazard, Fredrick Scott Stone of Hazard, Eric J. Sturgill of Viper, Timothy Scott Sturgill of Hazard, Bobby Darrell Tolson of Combs, Ronald Wayne Tricker, Jr. of Bonnyman, Jamie L. Turner of Hazard, Roger Lee Turner of Hazard, Teresa Darlene Turner of Chavies, Tiffany D. Turner of Combs, James Edgar Walker of Hazard, Miranda Natasha Walters of Bonnyman, Aaron Scott Watts of Bonnyman, Clinton L. Watts of Chavies, Johnnie Watts of Hazard, Kateisha K. Watts of Bonnyman, Miles Watts of Viper, Trista LeAnn Webb of Hazard, Tina Lanora Wells of Bulan, Ryan Wilson White of Hazard, Samantha E. White of Bonnyman, April Williams of Slemp, Bobbie J. Williams of Hazard, Penny Lynn Williams of Vicco, Curlin Lowell Williams, Jr. of Hazard, Raleigh Wayne Wooton of Jeff, Savanna Wooton of Busy, David B. Yonts of Bonnyman.

Powell County
Heather Dawn Chambers of Clay City, Kala R. Montgomery of Clay City, Kristin Molina Shepherd of Clay City.

Rockcastle County
Dustin A. Poynter of Mount Vernon.

Spencer County
Cory Martin May of Mount Eden, Stewart Tyler May of Mount Eden, Tina A. May of Mount Eden.

Wayne County
Kevin Mark Gregory of Monticello.

Whitley County
Tonya Gilbert of Corbin, Debra K. Klopp of Corbin.

Wolfe County
Tiffany Lynn Bach of Campton, Misty Dawn Back of Campton, Lauren Michelle Banks of Campton, Ashley Morgan Brown of Campton, Stacy Jean Burton of Campton, Kenneth Bradley Bush of Campton, Jeffrey Scott Byrd of Campton, Alisha Marie Clemons of Campton, Courtney Nicole Coleman of Rogers, Kayla Lee Cook of Campton, Sarah Katelyn Danyale Cummings of Campton, Brandy Suzanne Donahue of Campton, Holly Frances Drake of Rogers, Fonda Lou Etienne of Campton, Elizabeth Joan Graham of Campton, Lynsey Judiah Hunter Graham of Campton, Kristen Roxanne Gross of Campton, Julie Faye Harper of Rogers, Danita Grace Hayes of Rogers, Anna Marie Johnson of Hazel Green, Tracy Elizabeth Keeton of Campton, Emily Lane of Campton, Regina R. Lane of Rogers, Destiny Autumn Long of Campton, Brittany Michelle Mullins of Campton, Crystal Nicole Patton of Campton, Victoria Lee Patton of Campton, Mellissa G. Perry of Campton, Serina Kaye Prater of Campton, Heather Denise Ratliff of Campton, Jennifer L. Rose of Campton, Myranda Gail Rose of Campton, Deanna Sallie of Campton, Deron Edward Ray Terrill of Campton, Katherine Rose Tolson of Campton, Shauna L. Whisman of Campton.

Woodford County
Marshal Thomas Edwards of Versailles.

Out of state
The following students from outside Kentucky have graduated from HCTC. They are: Andrew David Hunt of Archdale, North Carolina; Jasper T. Lorentzen of Underwood, Ind., Starlit D. Lorentzen of Underwood, Ind.;  Seth Thomas Mulder of Cummings, North Dakota; Uriah W. Nibbe of Howard Lake, MN; and William Matthew Roberts of Wise, Virginia

Clara Gabbard

Clara Gabbard, a preschool teacher at LBJ Elementary, recently received word that she had been chosen as a finalist for the Kentucky Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award. The judges agreed that it was amazing and impressive to read about what Mrs. Gabbard is doing for her students and the Commonwealth of Kentucky through her work and leadership centered on civic education.  Her leadership and dedication is much appreciated by the Secretary of State Office, Kentucky Department of Education, Administrative Office of the Courts, Kentucky High School Athletic Association and the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville.

The ceremony announcing the overall state winner will be held at the noon game on Friday, March 18^th at Rupp Arena.   Each regional finalist will receive one free ticket to enter the game.  There are 16 regional finalists in the entire state.  LBJ Elementary would like to wish Mrs. Clara Gabbard the best of luck.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 29, 2011) —

GED graduates may apply through Zip Access at www.kheaa.com. To apply, sign in to Zip Access with your user ID and password. Those who have not used Zip Access should register to create a user ID and password. Interested GED graduates should apply as soon as possible, allowing adult education counselors adequate time to certify applicants for consideration before the June 30, 2011 deadline.

The Byrd Scholarship is named for longtime U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, who authored the legislation establishing the program in 1985. Kentucky receives enough funding to award 90 scholarships to high school seniors and GED graduates each year. GED recipients are chosen by an independent panel, based on GED scores and adult education counselor recommendations. For more information about Byrd Scholarships, call Danny McGaughey at (800) 928-8926, ext. 6-7391.

To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, go to www.gotocollege.ky.gov. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602; or call (800) 928-8926, ext. 6-7372.

Tony Back, regional Collegiate Director and HCTC faculty member, said he was impressed with this year’s students because of their maturity and professionalism.

Those students from Breathitt County include: front row, from left, Alex Hurt of Jackson; Cassie Akemon of Buckhorn; Joshua Cockerham of Booneville; Justin Ritchie of Jackson; Jesse Tackett, Advisor and Automotive Technology teacher. Second row, from left, are: Danny Tuttle of Jackson; Brock Trent of Jackson; Brandon Bush of Booneville; Kody Fugate of Jackson; Patrick Sallie of Jackson. Back row, from left, are: Michael Robinson of Jackson; Dustin Robinson of Jackson; James Oakes of Jackson; Michael Combs of Jackson; Kelly Clibern, Advisor. Margaret Gross is the principal of Breathitt County ATC.

Adrianna and Makenzie pose with Principal Ron Combs and STLP coordinators Alonzo Fugate and Doug Halsey. (Photo by: Kelsie Dalton, STLP student)

LBJ Elementary School is so proud to announce that Adrianna Coomer and Makenzie Neace will be moving on to the state STLP championship in May as state-selected cyber reporters.  The STLP or Student Technology Leadership Program allows students to learn and demonstrate skills using technology.  One of those skills is writing news articles using computers and taking digital photographs.  These two students will be able to use their skills to write articles and post them on the state STLP website.  The championship event will be held on May 13^th.  Congratulations to Adrianna and Makenzie!