Scot Gill (Woodford County High School, 1987)

An extraordinary educator, Gill received the 2002 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Education. He was valedictorian at WCHS and graduated summa cum laude at Transylvania University. Gill holds a Master’s degree in both physics and science education, and he has developed or taught 10 high school physics courses. 

David King (Woodford County High School, 1988)

King is a popular author of meticulously researched books about obscure historical figures and events, and his works have been translated into many languages and selected by the Book-of-the-Month Club, the History Book Club, and others. King is a former history professor at the University of Kentucky and a Fulbright Scholar, with a Master’s degree from Cambridge University.

Art Mize (Woodford County High School, 1981)

A complete musician, Mize is a highly regarded fiddle player, violin teacher and luthier, building and repairing a full range of stringed instruments. Mize won the inaugural Homer Ledford Award for “artistic excellence and dedication to Kentucky musical traditions.” He also plays and sings with Kentucky-based bands and manages performances at public festivals.

Rusty Park

Named Kentucky wrestling coach of the year six times—and the 2003 and 2006 national coach of the year—Parks led Woodford County High School to eight state wrestling titles and six state dual championships from 1980 to 2006. He coached 38 individual state champions and seven high school All-Americans. His teams amassed a remarkable dual record of 582 wins and 33 losses. 

George Withers (Versailles High School, 1963)

A captain of the Versailles High School team that won the 1962 state title, Withers was named to All-American, All-State, All-Conference and East-West All-Star football teams, playing offensive guard and kicker. Withers also lettered in baseball and track at VHS. He later lettered at UK and WKU and coached football, baseball and basketball at Woodford County High School.

Chris Hogan (Woodford County High School, 1989)

Hogan is a highly sought-after presenter and executive coach, and he serves as chief strategist of business, money, and leadership for the Dave Ramsey Group. A former banker and business owner, Hogan educates groups and individuals about personal money management, leadership and other diverse topics. Hogan was a champion athlete at both WCHS and Georgetown College.

Mark Matthews (Woodford County High School, 1979)

An accomplished business executive, Matthews is the global director of sales for the football, baseball, and athletic training divisions for Nike Inc. He travels worldwide while overseeing the strategy for more than $3 billion in annual sales. Matthews was an outstanding football player at WCHS and at Vanderbilt University.

William J. Christy

A pioneer of African-American education in Kentucky, Christy became principal of Simmons Street High School in Versailles in 1938. He made vast improvements in programming at the school, and in 1954 he opened a new Simmons High School and served as principal. A much respected community leader, “Professor” Christy later directed the Office of Equal Opportunity in Woodford County.

Jim Wilds

A local and statewide leader in agriculture and vocational education, Wilds created a vibrant horticulture program at WCHS. During his 50-plus years at Woodford County Schools, Wilds also guided two generations of student-athletes in swimming, tennis and soccer. He also mentored the early careers of other educators, serving as supervisor of many student teachers. 

Loren “Squirrel” Carl (Woodford County High School, 1968)

Carl’s career as a public servant has stretched from local to national. Currently a U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Carl was district coordinator for U.S. Representative Ben Chandler; director of the Financial Integrity Enforcement Division of the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office; and sheriff, detective and then chief of police in Woodford County.

Denny Nunnelley (Woodford County High School, 1970)

Since 2009, Nunnelley has led the Kentucky Association of Counties, improving county governments across the commonwealth. As Kentucky State Senator from 1995 to 1998, Nunnelley secured funding for local projects that continue to improve the lives of Woodford countians today. Prior to statewide service, Nunnelley served Woodford County as judge executive and in law enforcement.

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