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October 20, 2023 By Robby Payne

Schools will respond to community needs

EnergyState guest column by Teresa Morgan, Superintendent for Hardin County Schools

Published in News-Enterprise October 20, 2023

Over the course of its history, Hardin County Schools has been the cornerstone of achievement for countless leaders and inspirational figures within and beyond our community. It is imperative that we proactively adapt to the evolving landscape of our community to uphold and continue this remarkable legacy.

New economic developments, as revealed in a recently released economic impact study commissioned by the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, signal significant changes on the horizon for our region. The study, titled Assessing the Influence of BlueOval SK Battery Park on the Elizabethtown Metro Area, indicates we may see nearly 4,000 new K-12 students in Hardin County, based on population projections.

To put this in perspective, this projected surge in student population amounts to over a quarter of our district’s current student enrollment.

While this growth is undeniably exciting for our school district, it necessitates meticulous planning to thrive alongside it. The imminent need for new facilities and the bonding capacity to accommodate these changes will become evident.

Our commitment to delivering a high-quality education remains unwavering. This entails providing our students with quality learning environments staffed by skilled and dedicated educators. We will uphold this standard even as our community undergoes this expansion.

However, this growth extends beyond the demographics of our community. It also will transform the composition of our workforce. As secondary schools play a pivotal role in workforce development, this is a matter of utmost significance for our school district.

Our high schools are instrumental in guiding and preparing local students for their technical careers or college journeys. The Hardin County Schools Early College and Career Center (EC3) has been part of that process for nearly a decade.

Our Board of Education recently approved the purchase of additional land adjacent to EC3 that will lead to a proposed expansion of the facility. That expansion will encompass additional parking, new classrooms and media studios. It not only fortifies our existing programs but also creates space for new pathways.

While discussions about expanding EC3 were underway prior to the BlueOval SK announcement, these planned enhancements will be instrumental in equipping our local students with the skills needed to seize the abundant career opportunities the battery plant and our longstanding industry partners offer.

The curriculum offered through our nearly 40 career pathways have effectively positioned students for success across a diverse range of professions, aligning their passions with clear pathways to both careers and higher education. As we anticipate a wealth of fresh career prospects emerging locally, our mission is set to become even more pivotal in guiding and preparing our students for these exciting opportunities within our community.

As we stand on the threshold of transformative growth in our community, Hardin County Schools remain steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the potential of our students and adapting to the changing landscape. The impending impact of growth presents exciting opportunities and challenges that we are eager to embrace.

With careful planning, a dedication to maintaining educational excellence and a focus on preparing our students for the evolving workforce, we are poised to not only weather this transition but thrive alongside it.

To access the entire economic impact study, go to hardinchamber.com/energystate.

Teresa Morgan serves as superintendent for Hardin County Schools and wasrecipient of the 2024 Kentucky Association of School Administrators Superintendent of the Year award. She also is co-chair of the Kentucky Coalition to Sustain the Education Profession. Direct questions about the weekly EnergyState column to EnergyState@HardinChamber.com.

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Filed Under: Energy State, EnergyState

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Annual Awards Nomination Form

Annual Awards Nominations

Select an award category.

THE CHAMBER CHAMPION RONNIE J. PENCE AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the CHAMBER CHAMPION RONNIE J. PENCE AWARD at the 2024 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE CHAMBER CHAMPION RONNIE J. PENCE AWARD recognizes an individual who has committed an exemplary effort toward an initiative or initiatives important to the Chamber’s mission.

To nominate an individual, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this person is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 1 2024

THE GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD at the 2024 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD recognizes any official (either elected or appointed) who has performed a particular service or overall effectiveness in office on behalf of the residents of Hardin County and has demonstrated commitment to supporting business. Other criteria:

  • Currently serving in any level of government (local, state, federal) or has been out of office no more than two years

To nominate an individual, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 1, 2024

THE HALL OF FAME AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the CHAMBER HALL OF FAME AWARD at the 2024 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE HALL OF FAME AWARD recognizes a local business or individual for long term contributions to the economy and community. To be considered, the nominee should have been operating in the Hardin County market for ten or more years.

To nominate an individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this person is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 1 2024

THE QUALITY OF PLACE AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the QUALITY OF PLACE AWARD at the 2024 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE QUALITY OF PLACE AWARD recognizes an individual, entity and/or organization that has made a positive difference in the lives of our citizens and works to make Hardin County a better place to live, work and visit.

Criteria:

  • Has made a significant economic, social or environmental impact on the community
  • Is a public use project, facility or initiative that impacts the community at large
  • Promotes, develops or creates business growth or tourism, recreational, cultural or community assets or amenities

To nominate for this award, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this entity is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 1, 2024

THE RALPH REESE FORT KNOX/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RALPH REESE FORT KNOX/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD at the 2024 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RALPH REESE FORT KNOX/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD recognizes an individual or business who has committed an exemplary effort toward an initiative or initiatives important to the military and community partnership between Fort Knox and Hardin County. It is named in honor of World War II Veteran and Hardin County community leader and icon, Ralph Reese.

To nominate an individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this nominee is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 1 2024

THE RISING STAR AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RISING STAR AWARD at the 2024 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RISING STAR AWARD recognizes an up and coming business whose professional success is matched by its commitment to serving our community. This is for businesses in operation for two years or less.

Other criteria:

  • the business demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession
  • the business provides value services by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community
  • the business must be a current member of the Hardin Co. Chamber of Commerce.

To nominate a business, individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 1 2024.

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RISING STAR AWARD at the 2024 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RISING STAR AWARD recognizes an up and coming business whose professional success is matched by its commitment to serving our community. This is for businesses in operation for two years or less.

Other criteria:

  • the business demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession
  • the business provides value services by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community
  • the business must be a current member of the Hardin Co. Chamber of Commerce.

To nominate a business, individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 1 2024

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

A local professional under the age of 40 Demonstrates creativity, innovation, character, consistency and excellence in their field. Exemplifies outstanding professional growth and community engagement Makes significant contributions to the community through work and/or volunteer activities As current member of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RISING STAR AWARD at the 2024 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RISING STAR AWARD recognizes an up and coming business whose professional success is matched by its commitment to serving our community. This is for businesses in operation for two years or less.

Other criteria:

  • the business demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession
  • the business provides value services by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community
  • the business must be a current member of the Hardin Co. Chamber of Commerce.

To nominate a business, individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 1 2024

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