HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Community figure and retired educator Levi Peterson Jr. died at the age of 91 died on Feb. 21. In a statement, Christian County Public Schools described him as a trailblazer, educator, and leader.
His inspiring legacy in Hopkinsville began when he dropped out of high school, and defied odds by pursing his GED after serving in the Air Force. He later acquired a teaching degree at Allen University by using the G.I. Bill.
According to CCPS, after moving to Hopkinsville in the late 1960s, Peterson became the first African American administrator in Christian County at Hopkinsville High School. They said he opened doors for future generations of students and educators, retiring as vice principal in the 90s.
Peterson was presented the key to the city in June of 2024 where Mayor Knight said, “It is a great thing for me to be up here today to honor this individual and all the great things he’s done…He has never quit giving back to Hopkinsville.”
Much later in life at the age of 86, he became an author, writing The Transformation of a High School Dropout about his own life. Information about a funeral has not been released at this time.
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