Sanders, Cassady, Webb-Edgington, Hudson Inducted Into 2026 Hall of Distinguished Alumni

Dr. Michael Collins Named Honorary Alumni

L-R: Travis Hudson, Linda Hodges (on behalf of brother the late Elzie Sanders, JR.), Alicia Webb-Edgington, and Darrell Cassady were inducted into the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni on April 17, 2026.

Peytin Manor, story and photos:
​​On Friday, April 17th, the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni (HODA) inducted four new inductees at their annual ceremony which was held at Edmonson County High School. The new members included Darrell Cassady, Travis Hudson, the late Elzie Sanders, Jr., and Alecia Webb-Edgington.

The event emcee was ECHS alumnus Shannon Weaver, son of former Wildcat coach Norm Weaver.

HODA Committee members Jonathan Williams and Amanda Lich present Darrell Cassady with his honorary medal.

Mr. Cassady is a 1966 graduate of Edmonson County High School and 1970 alumnus of Western Kentucky University, and devoted his career to Edmonson County schools. Over 34 years, he taught at Kyrock Elementary and ECHS, led Brownsville Elementary as Principal for 18 years, and held the role of Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools for seven years.

His tenure as Superintendent was marked by major accomplishments, including the construction of vital new facilities and significantly strengthening the district’s financial position. After retiring from education, Cassady continued shaping our county through residential real estate development, especially in the Chalybeate community where he has lived his entire life. He remains active in civic and church life, serving on various committees and spending many years as Sunday School superintendent and teacher.

His lasting influence is evident throughout Edmonson County in the places where residents will continue to live, learn, and work for many years to come. 

HODA Committee members Jonathan Williams and Amanda Lich present Travis Hudson with his honorary medal.

Coach Hudson is 1988 graduate of Edmonson County High School and became one of the most celebrated figures in Western Kentucky University athletics as the legendary Head Coach of the WKU’s women’s volleyball program.

After graduating from WKU in 1994 with a degree in business management, Hudson embarked on a coaching career that would span more than three decades on The Hill. He took over the LadyToppers volleyball program in 1995 and steadily transformed it into a perennial powerhouse. Under his leadership, WKU has amassed hundreds of wins, captured more than 30 conference championships, and made numerous NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run.

Hudson’s excellence has been recognized with multiple Conference Coach of the Year and AVCA South Region Coach of the Year honors, and in 2024 he was inducted into the WKU Athletics Hall of Fame. WKU even commissioned a life-size bronze statue to honor his extraordinary contributions to the university and its student athletes. Beyond victories and titles, Hudson is known for instilling integrity, resilience, and championship mindset in his players.

​Today, he continues to lead the Lady Toppers while shaping the lives of young athletes throughout southcentral Kentucky, cementing a legacy that will endure.
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HODA Committee members Jonathan Williams and Amanda Lich present the late Elzie Sanders, JR.'s honorary medal to his sister, Linda Hodges.

​Elzie Sanders, Jr., was a 1966 graduate of Edmonson County High School and a farm boy from Noah Bledsoe Road in the Chalybeate Community whose life became defined by service and sacrifice.

Just six months after graduating, he was drafted into the United States Army, beginning a commitment that would mark the rest of his life. In April 1967, Sanders was deployed to Vietnam, where he served with courage and distinction.

On November 12, 1967, during a search-and-destroy mission under intense enemy fire, he demonstrated extraordinary gallantry by leaving his position to aid wounded comrades after the senior medic was incapacitated. Though wounded himself, Sanders pressed on, administering lifesaving aid until he was mortally wounded in action.

For his heroism, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and other honors, reflecting the highest traditions of military service.

​SP4 Elzie Sanders, Jr. brought great honor to Edmonson County High School, his community, and his family. He gave his life in service of his country and his fellow man–there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

HODA Committee members Jonathan Williams and Amanda Lich present Alicia Webb-Edginton with her honorary medal.

Alecia Webb-Edgington is a 1983 graduate of Edmonson County High School and an alumna of Western Kentucky University where she earned her B.A. in Sociology and Criminology. She later completed an M.S. in Criminal Justice at Eastern Kentucky University and attended the Executive Leadership Program at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Webb-Edgington made history as the first sworn female deputy at the Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office before joining Kentucky State Police Cadet Class #68, rising through the ranks to retire as Major. She went on to serve as Executive Director of Homeland Security under Governor Ernie Fletcher, then represented the 63rd District as a State Representative and ran for the 4th Congressional District.

Her career extended to the U.S. Department of State, where she worked as a Senior Police Advisor in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. Today, as President of Life Learning Center in Covington, Kentucky, Webb-Edgington has returned to her roots. Drawing on decades in criminal justice, she now helps individuals move away from cycles of incarceration, guiding them toward steady employment, dignity, and the confidence to build a brighter future.

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Dr. Michael Collins was presented the "Honorary Alumni" award at the ceremony.

This year's Honorary Alumni was presented to Dr. Michael Collins, who practiced medicine at Wilkes Clinic in Brownsville for many years. He continues making rounds at Edmonson Center and made house calls to many in the county over the years.

According to the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni, ​the intent of the program is to honor alumni whose exceptional achievements and careers reflect the highest values embraced and promoted by Edmonson County High School and the HODA Selection Committee.

Multiple student volunteers also helped at the event, including FFA and Horticulture Club members, along with VFW Post 6937. 

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams and HODA Committee Chair Amanda Lich announced the creation of a new HODA scholarship fund. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni will award a scholarship annually to one ECHS senior.

Nominations for the class of 2027 will be available soon and will be announced by the HODA Committee. Nominations are open to the public.