HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – With the 2024-25 school year coming to a close in May, many employees, students and student organizations are being recognized and presenting their work from the school year. During Thursday night’s Christian County Board of Education meeting, the board recognized Leadership Christian County Public Schools’ “All In” student and employees of the month, the Christian County High School Bowling Team, and presented the Senior Superintendent Advisory Council members. 

Leadership CCPS 

The board recognized five students and employees in the district for the monthly leadership CCPS “All In”: 

  • Lila Chandler, student from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early Learning Center Academy: student of the month 
  • Patrice Coomes-Collins, 4th grade writing teacher from Millbrooke Elementary School: elementary certified employee of the month
  • Ben Smith, VEX Robotics coach and IRHS advisor from Gateway Academy: Secondary certified employee of the month
  • Laurie Jimoh, Child Care director from Hopkinsville High School: classified employee of the month 
  • Dr. Kadi Ralston, the secondary instructional supervisor: administrator of the month 

Each student and employee was recognized for their commitment and leadership skills for the Christian County Schools. After recognizing students and the staff, the board thanked Hopkinsville Electric System for being the 2025 sponsor. 

Christian County High School Bowling Team 

Christian County High School Athletic Director Trey Wheeler recognized the Christian County High School Bowling Team. Before the recognition, Wheeler told the board how the team started.

“Peyton Hilton came to me in the gym about three and a half years ago and said, ‘Coach Wheeler, I want to have a bowling team’,” Wheeler said. Wheeler agreed with Hillton but did not know much about bowling or getting a bowling team together. Wheeler and Hilton discussed what would be needed. A week later, Hilton met with Wheeler and had “a binder, had found a coach, a sponsor, had already been to Southern Lanes, had a contract with them, and a list of students, both male and female from both schools, that wanted to participate in bowling,” Wheeler said.  

All of Hilton’s preparation made Wheeler’s job easier, and they formed a team. 

Hilton and head coach Mike Goode were not able to make it, but they wanted to recognize them.

Wheeler said Coach Bill Hasley “has been here since the start.” Wheeler also recognized the students, with players Kane DeGuilio and Christian Lane in attendance.

“Christian and Lane are our first two bowlers to qualify for the KHSAA (Kentucky High School Athletic Association) bowling state tournament,” Wheeler said. It happened during the third year of the program’s existence. 

Senior Student Superintendent Advisory Council

Superintendent Chris Bentzel, Secondary Instructional Supervisor Dr. Kadi Ralston, and Student Transition Coordinator Sandra Hancock presented the students that were a part of the Student Superintendent Advisory Council during the school year. 

The council had 37 members, and 24 of the members gave Bentzel feedback on topics over the course of the school year and served as representatives of peers. The council works with the board to have more student voice when making decisions on students’ behalf. 

The board recognized the students, both those who were and were not able to attend. Each student received a cord to wear during their graduation ceremony, and ambassadors also received a medal.

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