Seven Are Inducted Into Inaugural Class of the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni

Emotional Ceremony Draws Sellout Crowd

The inaugural class of the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2023: L-R: Johnny Pete Vincent, the late David Webb (accepted by wife Ann Webb), MSgt. Larry Hawks, Johnny Webb, Jeanne Patton, Jerry Patton, Dr. Kevin Clemmons.

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
It was a wide range of emotions last night as seven inductees were honored as the first class of newly-formed Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni (HODA) in a packed house at Tayvin Gardens event venue in Chalybeate.

The event was held in conjunction with the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce, who also held a ribbon cutting with the HODA Committee members.

The Committee, who organized and planned the event, had first estimated about 150 people to attend.

"When we first started trying to plan the event, we were hoping150 to 200 people, but to have this many is overwhelming," said Committee Chair Amanda Lich. Nearly 300 attended the ceremony, which included a buffet dinner, video presentations for each inductee that were organized by the Edmonson County High School Student Leadership group, led by senior Cooper Clark, and remarks from each inductee.

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams speaks at the Inaugural EC HODA Ceremony at Tayvin Gardens.

As Edmonson County High School Principal Jonathan Williams explained the origin of HODA, he said that one of his main goals was to remind current students that they can achieve great things despite attending school in a small county.

"Some of us have been told you can't do that or achieve that, because it's Edmonson County," he said to the crowd. "That's not true and we want to change that conversation."

Williams first began researching ways to bring either an alumni association or distinguished alumni committee to Edmonson County a few years ago. He helped assemble the current Committee, which consists of himself, Chair Amanda Lich, Darrell Cassady, Regina Byrd, Melinda Campbell, Darren Doyle, and Morgan Esters. Johnny Webb is also a member of the Committee, however, he recused himself from recent activities once he was informed he had been nominated as an inductee.

Chamber President Darren Doyle also addressed the crowd where some of his opening remarks echoed those from Williams. He said the mission of HODA is to instill a larger sense of Edmonson County pride to each other and to the younger generation, as well as "Reminding our students that you CAN do great things; that our county IS a good AND honorable place; and that you can be proud to tell anyone that you grew up in our communities and that YOU are a Wildcat Alumnus of Edmonson County High School."

The acceptance speeches from the inductees were filled with humbleness, gratitude, and inspiration.

Among those that were inducted were Dr. Kevin Clemmons, a 1978 alumnus who has been an area dentist for 30 years. He was an integral part of the 1976 KHSAA boys basketball state championship team as the starting point guard and also has remained part of Edmonson County Athletics as a coach in various roles. His family's philanthropy in Edmonson County has had a major impact on the girls' softball team facilities.

Clemmons credited his parents, Pete and Carol Clemmons, his wife Natalie, and his children and grandchildren for his success. He also gave thanks to God for his lifetime opportunities.

Edmonson County High School Youth Leadership members front row L-R: Olivia Stice, Makaylee Thompson. Middle row L-R: Greenlee Goins, Caroline Hodges, Emma Lashley. Second from top, L-R: Cooper Clark, Beth Elmore, Ian White. Top row, L-R: Wade Luttrell, Ethan Edwards, Samuel Skaggs, Cam Lich, Ty Brantley.

Master Sergeant Larry Hawks, US Army Ret., a 1988 graduate of ECHS, was also inducted. Hawks is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross Award, the second-highest military honor awarded by the U.S. Army for gallantry under fire as a member of 3rd Special Forces Group on July 24 and July 25, 2005, in Afghanistan.

MSgt Hawks has a decorated military career that spans more than 30 years. In his remarks, he honored his home community of Wingfield and his family.

"You hear people say, 'well, I can't do that.' Well, just look in the mirror because the only person keeping you from doing something is you," Hawks said to the crowd.

In addition, Mrs. Jeanne Patton, class of 1966, was inducted into the Hall. She also credited God and family members for her success, as well as her father. She helped grow the Bank of Edmonson County to what it is today, as she became one of the first female banking leaders in our region.

In describing Edmonson County in one word, she said "Community." She was moved with emotion as she addressed the crowd.

Brother Jerry Patton, class of 1961, was also inducted. His 60 years in the funeral business highlights a long and successful career; however, his volunteer work with virtually every county organization over decades of service time was also duly noted.

Also a longtime minister and local pastor, who is estimated to have helped in over 500 revivals, when asked what was his greatest accomplishment, he replied "helping people to the Lord and seeing souls saved."

Johnny Pete Vincent, class of Kyrock High School, 1959, was also inducted into the Hall. A gifted high school athlete, once scoring 50 points for the Blackhawks, he began the first real physical education program in local schools as a young teacher. He served as principal at ECHS for 13 years, which was also during the 1976 State Championship run. A gifted Sunday School teacher and church deacon, he also thanked God, his wife, and his family in his humble remarks.

The late David Webb, a 1959 graduate of Brownsville High School was also honored as an inductee. Mr. Webb served as a longtime educator and superintendent of Edmonson County Schools and played a vital role in the building of the first version of Edmonson County's current high school. Utilizing relationships in Frankfort and lobbying for the betterment of education in his community, a new high school was built in 1981.

His oldest son, Tommy Webb, graciously accepted the award on his father's behalf and said his entire family was honored to be part of such a class.

The last inductee of the night was entrepreneur and former Bowling Green Mayor Johnny Webb, ECHS class of 1961. He helped develop Operation Pride and Beatify I-65 in the Bowling Green area. He also played a pivotal role in the location of the KY Transpark, in order for it to be closer to Edmonson County for job opportunities. He gave the most humorous remarks of the evening, poking a little fun at some of his former classmates and community friends and family. He also poked fun at himself by sharing comical anecdotes from his high school years. He was also greatly humbled by his induction of the inaugural class.

Ribbon cutting photo with both Chamber of Commerce Board Members and HODA Committee Members.

Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni 2023 Selection Committee Members back row L-R: Darrell Cassady, Darren Doyle, Jonathan Williams. Front row L-R: Morgan Esters, Amanda Lich, Melinda Campbell, Regina Byrd.

Each inductee was presented an engraved medallion and will have an honorary plaque displayed at Edmonson County High School.

In addition, an honorary distinguished alumni award was presented to Robbie Brantley. While Brantley did not attend Edmonson County Schools, his three children have attended and he and his wife, Andrea, have been part of many school functions, teams, and organizations. Brantley is routinely seen attending and participating in school activities. The intent of the award is to honor one individual each year that did not attend a local school but has made a positive impact.

HODA Inductees are selected each year from the HODA Committee and are chosen from a pool of nominees that must have attended Edmonson County High School or any local school that predates ECHS for a minimum of two years and may be living or deceased.

The purpose of the EC HODA is to honor alumni whose exceptional achievements and careers reflect the highest values embraced and promoted by the school and committee. The award recipients have distinguished themselves by contributions made in their fields of work, professional or public service, or in the betterment of humanity.

To submit a nomination, click here to fill out the online form.