Houchins, Meredith, Byrd Inducted Into Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni

Dale "Doc" and Sara Gray Presented Honorary Alumni Awards

L-R: Michael Meredith, Regina Byrd, and Dion Houchins were inducted into the Edmonson Co. Hall of Distinguished Alumni March 14, 2025.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Three new members were added to the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni on Friday, March 14, 2025, including Michael Lee Meredith, Dion Houchins, and Regina Byrd.

The event was held at Tayvin Gardens in Chalybeate and was at full capacity for yet another year.

Dion Houchins gives his acceptance speech at the 2025 HODA dinner.

Amanda Lich (HODA Chair) with Dion Houchins and ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams.

Dion W. Houchins, a 1983 graduate of Edmonson County High School, was a standout student and athlete at ECHS, earning 10 varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball where he helped lead all three teams to championships and received multiple individual accolades along the way.

A talented math student, Dion earned the Ray Family Math Scholarship, which set him on a path to pursue an accounting degree at WKU. Dion’s career spans roles within and outside Edmonson County. He worked as a public accountant and a bank executive, including a 10-year tenure at Bank of Edmonson County as Executive Vice President and Board Member. I009, Dion joined Houchens Industries and later became CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2020. Under his leadership, Houchens Industries, the largest 100% employee-owned business in the U.S., has expanded its holdings significantly while enhancing profitability and diversification for its employee owners.

Beyond his professional success, Dion has been an active community leader. He served as President of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce and has served as a board member in numerous organizations, including the Warren County Water District, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, and the WKU Hilltopper Athletic Foundation.

During his acceptance speech, he credited his family roots in the Jock community, the education and relationships grown at Edmonson County High School, and the value of hard work and honesty for his success. He honored his wife, children, and grandchildren and thanked the community for prayers offered up for one daughter that had faced numerous health issues.

 

Michael Meredith gives his acceptance speech at the 2025 HODA dinner.

Amanda Lich (HODA Chair) with Michael Meredith and ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams.

State Representative Michael Lee Meredith was also gracious to his family and community.

A 2003 graduate of Edmonson County High School, he served two years on the Brownsville City Council prior to serving in the Kentucky House of Representatives where he is proudly known as the Gentleman from Edmonson. Michael was the youngest member of the legislature when he was elected and now, after 14 years, he is one of the most senior members and has represented Edmonson County in the House longer than anyone in our county’s history.

He chairs the House Banking and Insurance Committee and is the former chair of the House Local Government Committee.

Michael has passed numerous pieces of important legislation, including helping secure $50 million for a veterans nursing home in South Central Kentucky. A strong advocate for our local schools and students, he was instrumental in getting $10 million for the new vocational center at ECHS.

 He has served on the boards of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission and Lifeskills. He is currently a member of the Edmonson County Lion’s Club and is a Leadership Edmonson County Alumnus.

He thanked several in the audience, such as teachers and mentors, and honored his late mother, Peggy Meredith for guiding him along the way.

Regina Byrd gives her acceptance speech at the 2025 HODA dinner.

Amanda Lich (HODA Chair) with Regina Byrd and ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams.

Regina Parsley Byrd, a 1970 graduate of Edmonson County High School, was the final inductee of the evening and the 2025 class.

A lifelong Edmonson County resident, Regina is a financial advisor with over 30 years of experience, managing offices in Bowling Green and Hodgenville. She has led the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Commonwealth Health Corporation Foundation, Networking Women of Bowling Green, and the Edmonson County Woman’s Club. She has also been an active member of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission, Bowling Green Women’s Fund, Chalybeate Homemakers, and the Elm Street Society.

Her efforts have earned her several accolades, including the prestigious Athena Award in 2003. Regina and her husband, Ken, live in the Chalybeate community.

She credited her parents, her family, prayer, and good people around her for achieved success.

PHOTO GALLERY:

In addition, the Edmonson County High School Honorary Alumi Award was presented to Dale "Doc" and Sara Gray for their contributions to families and communities throughout the area over their lifetimes. Mrs. Gray tearfully accepted the awards on behalf of her and Mr. Gray, who was unable to attend.

Amanda Lich (L) and Principal Jonathan Williams present the Honorary Alumi Awards to Doc and Sara Gray.

Michael Meredith, Regina Byrd, Dion Houchins, and Sara Gray (seated) with their honorary awards.

Many of the past inductees were present at last night's event, including, Bro. Jerry Patton, Scottie Woodcock, Johnny Pete Vincent, Dr. Kevin Clemmons, Jeanne Patton, and family members of the late David Webb, Jimmie Gipson, and N.E. Reed.

The HODA inductees are selected each year by the EC HODA Committee. Nominations are accepted throughout the year and the intent of the program is to honor alumni whose exceptional achievements and careers reflect the highest values embraced and promoted by Edmonson County School and the HODA Selection Committee.

Award recipients have distinguished themselves by contributions made in their fields of work, professional or public service, or in the betterment of humanity.

Last night's event was started by Edmonson County Board of Education member Wynn Caudill, who got lots of laughs from the crowd as his anecdotes set the tone for an engaging night. 

Former inductees Dr. Kevin Clemmons, Jeanne Patton, and Bro. Jerry Patton introduced this year's inductees, respectively.

Several ECHS students put in hours of work to help complete the event, including Sydney Blanton, Lilly Carroll, Abigail Hogg, Brayden Johnson, Marley Perry, Lola Ramsey, Evelyn Ulm, Kennedy Webb, and the ECHS Horticulture Club.

The 2025 HODA Committee Members are Regina Parsley Byrd, (ex-officio member for this year) Jamie Carnes, Cooper Clark, April Hennion, Amanda Lich, Chair, Scott Lindsey, Carol Stice, Laura-Grace Vincent, Johnny Webb, and Jonathan Williams.