HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A huge crowd of local educators and community members gathered at The Silo on Tuesday evening to celebrate Christian County Public Schools faculty and staff that have excelled throughout the school year.

During the CCPS Employee Recognition Ceremony, select individuals were nominated for their role in making a difference in CCPS. Awarded educators were recognized for their constant devotion to childhood learning and making their school a better place.

Twelve educators in the CCPS system were given the “Rising Stars” award. This recognizes new educators who have already committed to making a difference, bringing in new ideas and having a passion for student education.

Two outstanding faculty and staff members of each school in the CCPS system were given two awards each: Classified Staff Member of the Year and Certified Staff of the Year. Thirty-two educators were awarded, including Jane Davis, a bus driver who has driven CCPS students to and from school for over 50 years.

“I have loved every minute that I’ve been driving a school bus,” Davis said. “I started out when I was nine years old on a farm driving my daddy’s jeep.” Davis received a standing ovation as she was awarded for her hard work and dedication to students.

Other awards:

  • All In Award: Community Partner of the Year – Taylor Hayes with the Christian County Chamber of Commerce
  • Inspire Award: Highest Performing School – Principal Tiffany Gray with South Christian Elementary
  • Engage Award: Volunteer of the Year – Diante Hall with Indian Hills Elementary and Debbie Houchins with Crofton Elementary
  • Succeed Award: Student Organization of the Year – Christian County High School Colonels Marching Band, led by Anthony Darnell
  • Heart of CCPS Award: Exemplifies the Mission of CCPS – Jane Davis, veteran CCPS bus driver

“Education is not happening in isolation, ” Hayes said. “Education arrives when organizations and businesses in our neighborhoods are in partnership with our education system, teachers, students and schools.”

| EDUCATION NEWS: Read more from Christian County Schools