• Sarah Howard Borders, M.D.
• (Woodford County High School, 2005)  A standout student at every level of her education, Dr. Borders practices OB-GYN in Lexington while mentoring medical students and educating young mothers. In high school, she received the top Kentucky Junior Miss academic scholarship. Dr. Borders then graduated from the University of Kentucky summa cum laude, received multiple awards at the U.K. School of Medicine, and culminated her education as administrative chief resident.

• Marianne Lodmell Young, Ph.D. (WCHS, 2000) 
• Dr. Young was valedictorian of her high school class, graduated summa cum laude from Transylvania University, attained a master’s degree at U.K. and recently completed her doctorate there.  She serves at U.K. as university director for academic and career advising, developing institution-wide programs to support students’ advancement. Young worked previously as assistant dean at the U.K. Gatton College of Business and Economics.

Mack Calvert (WCHS, 1976) 

The “Voice of Woodford County,” Calvert provided his hometown’s sports fans with play-by-play commentary of Woodford County football and basketball games over the radio for more than 30 years. His sports journalism skills included writing, and Calvert served as the first sports reporter for The Woodford Sun. Adding a master’s degree in education to his communication degree, Calvert became a certified teacher. He taught and coached at Woodford Middle School while continuing to broadcast games.

• Joseph Barr (WCHS, 2008) 
• Woodford County’s most accomplished male golfer, Barr was a junior golf All-American, a three-time All-state golfer, two-time Kentucky Junior Player of the Year, and a four-year letterman at U.K. Playing varsity for six years at WCHS, Barr won more than 10 tournaments and played in three state tournaments, earning himself a full college scholarship. Following his U.K. career, Barr played professionally, worked as a club pro and coached at the college level.

Larry Blackford (WCHS, 1973) 

A standout basketball player, Blackford went on to coach, teach and serve his community. At WCHS, Blackford achieved All-region and All-state honors. He averaged more than 20 points a game his senior year and ranks among the school’s top career rebounders. After playing a year at EKU (honorable mention All-conference), Blackford starred at Transylvania as co-captain, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. He was twice named to the All-region NCAA team.

• Gary Jones (WCHS, 1970) 
• Jones served the people of his community as a teacher, law enforcement officer, city council representative, and as a remarkable leader in youth sports and recreation. As director of the Woodford County Parks and Recreation Department, Jones was instrumental in building and upgrading sports fields and facilities, including the Falling Springs Recreation Center, where the gym now bears his name. In 1986, Jones was honored by the National Youth Sports Coaches Association. 

• Rusty Thompson (WCHS 1978) 
• A leader in the state and local agriculture communities for more than four decades, Thompson has shared his love for farming by educating consumers and advancing his profession. Beginning with leadership roles as a student at WCHS and at U.K., Thompson has served on no fewer than 22 ag-related organizations, including—for 37 years—the Woodford Co. Farm Bureau. He won numerous regional state and local awards, including Woodford Co. Outstanding Farmer of the Year.

• Margie Cleveland (WCHS 1976)
• Cleveland served the school community as a six-term member of the Woodford County Board of Education—and chairman for four years—during an unprecedented span of achievement that culminated in Woodford County being named a top five school district in Kentucky. During her tenure, Cleveland and the board hired three superintendents and oversaw the construction of the middle school and renovations of WCHS and two elementaries. Statewide, Cleveland was a scholastic auditor and a facilitator for school board training sessions. 

• Ambrose Wilson IV 
• Serving on the Woodford County Board of Education for a  total of 25 years, Wilson is the current chair. Along with overseeing the local school district during a time of remarkable accomplishments, Wilson has held positions of leadership in state organizations, including secretary of the Kentucky School Board Association’s Education Foundation and chairman of the Central Kentucky School Board Association. A longtime human resources expert, Wilson has also worked in state government, including serving as secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet.

• Cheryl Duncan (WCHS, 1978)  Honored many times during her 34 years as a registered nurse, it is as a family and community advocate that Duncan has achieved national acclaim. Following the suicide of her 17-year-old daughter in 2012, Duncan created the Ashley Jadine Foundation with a mission to increase awareness of teen suicide, help prevent it, and reduce the stigma of mental health issues. Duncan and her foundation have been heralded in Houston, where she resides, and by the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. 

• Jim Owen Gaines (Versailles High School 1944)  During 43 years in the office of Woodford County Property Valuation Administrator—four as deputy—Gaines was a local and state leader. As president of the Kentucky PVA Association, he drafted and lobbied for a law that helped farmers remain on their land and one that facilitated the collection and fairness of vehicle taxes. In 1988 his colleagues presented him the first KPVA Gold Service Award. Gaines also was a leader of the Versailles Lions Club, the fair board and other organizations.  

Special recognition: Three-plus decades after the opening of Community Stadium, Woodford County’s home field for football and soccer, a core group of volunteers who spearheaded the project is being honored. Among more than 100 people who donated time, money, materials and labor, the efforts of six individuals were well-documented, and they represent the many who served: Ralph Combs, Ben Crain, Chuck Fouser, Jim Gay, Doug Matthews and J.C. Moraja.

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