Aug. 19, 2008, editorial: Grads prove value of education

Hardin County Schools recognized the professional accomplishments and community contributions of a group of past HCS graduates at a special luncheon held recently at Nolin RECC. During the district’s annual Distinguished Alumni luncheon, ten new names were added to a long procession of noteworthy individuals whose respective professions are as diverse as the role models and influential educators they cite for their success.

Those named among the 2008 HCS Distinguished Alumni class are:

n Loy Ray Brashear, a 1956 graduate of Sonora High School and president of Brashear’s Auto Rental/Sales in Elizabethtown.

n Kelly Mark Easton, a 1981 graduate of North Hardin High School and a Hardin County Circuit Court Judge.

n Dr. Sandra Cowley Gray, a 1967 graduate of East Hardin High School and president of Asbury College.

n Matthew Creighton Hess, a 1991 graduate of Central Hardin High School and a partner with the law firm of Kerrick, Stivers, Coyle and VanZant in Elizabethtown.

n Dr. Lawrence Douglas Knight, a 1977 graduate of North Hardin High School, now an orthodontist with practices in Radcliff and Louisville.

n Dr. Jason Christopher Lambert, a 1990 graduate of North Hardin High School and a state board certified toxicologist working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

n E.G. “Red” Sanders, a 1943 graduate of Upton High School and retired superintendent of the LaRue County Schools district.

n Mary Agnes (Harper) Sears, a 1952 graduate of Vine Grove High School and retired administrative manager of Hardin County Schools.

n Linda Kay Sharon, a 1967 graduate of North Hardin High School, past director of public relations and current chairwomen of the HCS Board of Education.

n Charlie Wise, a 1968 graduate of North Hardin High School and owner/operator of Wise Contracting and previous Hardin County magistrate.

 Each new HCS Distinguished Alumnus should be proud of having their name added to those of prior honorees. But the honor also is recognition of their past educators, those teachers, coaches and principals who invested time and attention in them early in life. During the luncheon, several honorees recalled fondly the names and the habits of those who had positively impacted them during their school years, giving evidence that it’s often the smallest of things that can leave most significant and long-lasting impressions upon others.

When commenting on this year’s Distinguished Alumni, Superintendent Nanette Johnston said each had “walked the halls of our HCS buildings as children at one time and used their knowledge and education to be successful in life and in their respective professions.”

Well said, Mrs. Johnston; and well done 2008 Hardin County Schools Distinguished Alumni. Congratulations to each of you.

This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise editorial board.