The Leadership Hardin County class met December 10th for Education Day. We began our day at the Hardin County Board of Education. Mr. John Wright conducted a wonderful presentation to the group packed full of information that was of great interest to those of us who have lived in the Hardin County area our entire lives, as well as, those who are new to the area. The class learned many interesting facts, such as the Hardin County School District is the 4th largest in the state with approximately 14,500 students. The class also learned about the HCS Work Ethic Certification that was implemented which should continue to provide a very positive impact on our community. It was wonderful to hear some personal experiences about students here in our community and how against most odds, they were able to turn their lives around and are now very successful. Mr. Wright discussed the Hardin County Schools Early College and Career Center (EC3) and the many opportunities that are now available to our students.
The group then traveled to North Hardin High School where we were introduced to the Principal, Mr. Lonnie Dennis. Mr. Dennis shared his excitement on all of the positive things going on at North Hardin High School. He expressed his gratitude to the teachers and students for the recent remarkable growth in test scores. The group was able to tour the school and see first-hand the renovations going on at North Hardin. It was very exciting to see the “New North Hardin.”
We then packed up again and made our way to ECTC, where we received a tour of the campus from our very own classmate, Samantha Manire! We received lots of beneficial information, as well as, some fun facts. We were able to tour the machine shop where we learned that students practice using wax which is recycled! We also got to tour the nursing facilities and met some “almost” human patients who we learned can have almost any illness/issue possible! After our tour, we had the pleasure of being introduced to Dr. Thelma White, President/CEO of ECTC who shared her excitement for the campus and how fortunate we are in our community. We also each took home a little souvenir from our fun filled day….a penny from a handmade penny press machine!
After we enjoyed our delicious lunch from McAlister’s, we had a little friendly competition among the group with a few team building exercises! Our next stop was Elizabethtown High School. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by a group of students that greeted us at the door. Mr. Steve Smallwood, Principal of Elizabethtown High School, broke the class up into groups where we received tours from the students. The students were very professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and proud of their school. There were no doubts that they were going to be some very great leaders in our community one day.
The last stop of the day was at Morningside Elementary School, where we met up with their Principal, Mrs. Karla Buckingham. She informed us about education on an Elementary School level and how things are changing. We were then entertained by the student council group lead by Mrs. Laura Beth Hayes. We learned that Mrs. Hayes was about to be recognized for receiving an ExCel, outstanding teacher award. The children opened the floor by answering questions from our Leadership group and although they were small in size, they proved to be very wise in their answers. The group really enjoyed interacting and talking with this great group of kids!
The day was wrapped up with our last speaker, Ms. Janay Sutton. Ms. Sutton serves as the Hardin County Family and Resource Center Coordinator. She explained to the group the various functions that the resource centers provide and how they are of the utmost importance for our students and their families. The Family Resource and Youth Service Centers are there to help with things such as; child care, health services, counseling, as well as basic needs. Today, they help to break any barriers necessary for our children to succeed.
At the end of the day, our heads were once again full of information. Hardin County is very fortunate on so many levels. We have great education facilities that are constantly being improved and we have great opportunities for the students to succeed. We also have many dedicated educational leaders who display passion about the role they play in student’s lives. Hardin County’s future is in good hands and the class was fortunate to see first-hand some of these students that will be leading our community and doing amazing things!
Amanda Smith
Assistant Vice President
Kentucky Neighborhood Bank
1000 North Dixie Avenue
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Mark Malone
Fire Chief
City of Elizabethtown Fire Department
380 Ring Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Steve Phillips
Manager
Auto Detailing & More
1100 North Dixie Highway
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
