Four Inducted Into 2024 Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni

HODA Inductees Scottie Woodcock, Keith Madison, Beverly Reed in Honor of N.E Reed, and Steve Gipson in honor of Jimmie Gipson.

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Last night at Tayvin Gardens, the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni (HODA) Committee hosted the 2024 annual dinner and induction ceremony where four new members were honored, which included Jimmie Gipson (d.), Keith Madison, Noah Everett "N.E" Reed (d,), and Scottie Woodcock.

HODA inductees are selected by the HODA committee, but the nominations are submitted by the public. In order to be selected, the inductee must have attended an Edmonson County High School for at least two years, and they may be living or deceased. Committee Chair Amanda Lich shared that the purpose of the HODA is to honor those who attended a school in Edmonson County that have shown excellence in their lifetimes.

2023 Inductee Johnny Webb gave opening remarks to the crowd that generated several laughs. He said it was an honor to be included in a group of "such amazing, outstanding people", and how blessed and proud he was to be from Edmonson County.

ECHS junior Kenadi Swihart led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance, and ECHS junior Lucas Jones gave the invocation. ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams spoke at the event and said the purpose of the HODA is for "those kids over there," as he pointed to a group of ECHS students volunteering at the event. "We want these kids to know you can accomplish all of these things being from Edmonson County, and hopefully someday some of them will be inductees in the HODA as well."

The first inductee was the late Jimmie Gipson, a 1959 graduate of Brownsville High School. He was employed by Houchens Industries for 55 years, serving as the CEO for the last 26 years. Under Jimmie's leadership, Houchens expanded from a single grocery store to become the largest ESOP in the country. Jimmie received many honors over the years, including Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Yound, honoree in the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni and the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Lou Fox Award for Charity and and Community Service from Associated Wholesale Grocers. Jimmie's award was accepted by his son, Clark Gipson.

Clark Gipson accepts the award on behalf of his father, Jimmie Gipson, 2024 inductee of HODA, presented by Amanda Lich and Jonathan Williams.

The second inductee was Keith Madison, introduced by 2023 inductee Johnny Pete Vincent. Keith is a 1969 graduate of Edmonson County High School and grew up in the Lindseyville community. At age 17, he signed his first professional baseball contract, starting his journey in a career in athletics. Keith played with various teams, including the Montreal Expos and the Cincinnati Reds. His collegiate coaching career began at Mississippi State University in 1977. In 1979, at the age of 26, Keith became the youngest head coach in NCAA Divison 1 baseball, when he was hired to coach the University of Kentucky Baseball team. He remains the winningest coach in UK baseball history. He currently serves with the Christian Mission organization SCORE International, and he also publishes Inside Pitch, the official magazine of the American Baseball Coaches Association. He is the Chairman of the American Baseball Coaches Association. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Keith Madison.

The next inductee was the late Noah Everett 'N.E.' Reed, a 1965 graduate of ECHS, and grew up in the Mohawk community. He served as the Judge/Executive for Edmonson County for 21 years, first elected in 1993. He developed the first county Parks and Recreation Department and Industrial Authority of Edmonson County. He continued to serve Edmonson County after retiring from office as a District 4 Director of WRECC and a Board Member of Edmonson County Water District, as well as a member of the Edmonson County Lions Club. He was a devoted church member to Oak Grove United Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and song leader. His award was accepted by his loving wife, Beverly Reed.

Beverly Reed accepts the award for her late husband, N.E Reed.

The last inductee of the night was Mr. Scottie Woodcock, introduced by 2023 inductee Jeanne Alexander Patton. Scottie is a 1951 graduate of Brownsville High School. At an early age, he found success in being a small business owner or manager in several ventures, including the Gulf service station, Woodcock General Store, and Western Auto. Scottie also played a crucial role in bringing the first factory, Kelwood, to Brownsville, creating many jobs for the people of Edmonson County.

In 1989 Scottie made a career change and became a loan officer and board member at the Bank of Edmonson County. He served a myriad of volunteer and civic roles, including Brownsville City Council, Brownsville Water District, Edmonson County Lions Club, and the Washington Meredith Masonic Lodge. His professional success and service to the community led him to be named Mr. Brownsville in 1964. Scottie noted that in just a couple weeks, he and his wife, Ethel, will be celebrating 73 years of marriage.

Scottie Woodcock.

The 2024 event was sold out.

Another award was given, which was the 2024 Edmonson County High School Honorary Alumnus award, which was given to Mr. Jeff Jacobs.

Information on how to submit a nomination for the 2025 class will be available from Edmonson County High School in the near future, which will be published on the Edmonson Voice.