The YMCA Summer Food Program, offered in partnership with Hopkins County Schools and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, launches on June 1, 2026! The form at the link below provides additional information about the program, including which location you want to pick up meals. Weekly meal pick-ups continue through July 31. Please fill out the form prior to picking up the meal box.
For additional information, contact the YMCA at 270-821-9622, Ext. 106, or email michellehale@hopcoymca.com.
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If you have questions, please call 855-306-8959 or visit your local Department of Community Based Services office. |
Hopkins County Schools’ new Central Office received a formal dedication with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on Monday, May 18!
We were so excited to welcome such a large crowd of community members as well as former and current members of the HCS family to the event at our new office, 2135 N. Main St., Madisonville.
In his remarks, Superintendent Dr. Damon Fleming compared the building to a beacon of light. “A beacon does not draw attention to itself,” he said. “It stands steady. It shines consistently. It helps others find direction. This is what this Central Office is meant to be.” This represents support for students, partnership for teachers and staff, and a promise for families and community members.
He thanked board members for their leadership and stewardship, administrators and staff for shaping the design and purpose of the space, and the community for its trust and support.
“Today, as we cut this ribbon, we are not simply celebrating bricks and mortar,” Dr. Fleming said. “We are celebrating opportunity. We are celebrating unity. We are celebrating the bright future ahead for our students and our district.”
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HOPCO Cafes – Hopkins County Schools Child Nutrition – has officially served MORE THAN ONE MILLION meals during the 2025-2026 school year!
On Monday, May 4th, at exactly 8:03 a.m., our ONE MILLIONTH meal was served to 3rd grader Joshua Hibbs at Southside Elementary School! What an unforgettable milestone for our district and our incredible Child Nutrition team.
"We knew we were going to do big things this year, but this is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Scott Moore, Director of Child Nutrition. “Our chefs work tremendously hard every day and it definitely shows!"
Across the district, comments from our kitchens include the following:
🔹“Honored to be a part of this.”
🔹“I love this job!”
🔹“Fulfilled yet exhausted.”
🔹“Happy and blessed.”
Every tray served represents care, compassion, teamwork, and a commitment to making sure our students receive quality meals every single day, Moore said.
“This achievement would not be possible without our amazing chefs, managers, staff, students, families, and community support,” he added. “Here’s to continuing to feed hearts, minds, and futures!”
Tabitha Beringer, manager at Hanson Elementary, said it perfectly: "One million meals served gives me one million reasons to keep showing up."
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Club Southside Learning & Enrichment Center has earned a perfect 5 star rating in the Kentucky ALL STARS quality rating system. This recognition highlights the district’s commitment to providing exceptional early learning experiences for its youngest students.
Congratulations to staff members Tonda Rodgers, Candi Lamb, Lynn Ann Rodgers, and Cassie Thurby for this achievement! It’s not often to find a school district with seven 5 Star preschool classrooms AND a 5 Star child care!
The All STARS program measures excellence in early childhood education based on teaching practices, family engagement, staff qualifications, and learning environment. Achieving a 5-star rating reflects the dedication of Hopkins County’s teachers, staff, and families to preparing children for future success.
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We celebrated Hopkins County Schools 2025-2026 retirees on May 18! They were honored during the Board of Education meeting and the reception that followed. Congratulations to all! This year’s retirees include the following:
Jada Agent, special education teacher, Southside Elementary; Kerri Blades, teacher, Pride Elementary; Shannon Bowles, counselor, Hopkins County Day Treatment; Chris Bowles, itinerant behavior support interventionist, Central Office; Teresa Campbell, teacher, West Broadway Elementary; Missy Cobb, teacher, SES; Angie Cunningham, school psychologist, Hanson Elementary; Suzie Dixon, secretary, Hopkins County Central HS; Anissa Eli, special education teacher, HCDT/HCS Academy; Stacey Eliot, special education teacher, PES; Julie Franklin, guidance counselor, South Hopkins MS; Debora Hobgood, CIA, WBES; Helen Kelly, cook/baker, SHMS; Chris Manning, teacher, SHMS; James Musgrove, custodial supervisor, WBES; Donna Potts, teacher, Jesse Stuart Elementary; Lisa Rodgers, building coach, SHMS; Patricia Womack, special education teacher, SHMS; Charles Yarbrough, FRYSC coordinator, JSES; Barbara Young, special education teacher, SHMS; Len Young, instructional leader, James Madison Middle School.
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Collecting pop tabs became a weighty project this year for three HCS schools!
Hopkins County Central HS Math & Science Club issued a challenge to its own school, South Hopkins Middle School, and Southside Elementary to participate in a pop tab drive challenge this school year. Results were announced on April 30. Representatives from Ronald McDonald House in Evansville and Chris McEnaney, owner/operator of several area McDonald’s restaurants, took part in the announcements, as well as the Grimace character from McDonald’s.
A total of 379 pounds of pop tabs were collected by the three schools!
The youngest students were the winners, with Southside Elementary collecting 175.8 pounds of pop tabs! They were followed by Hopkins County Central, which placed 2nd with 144 pounds of pop tabs and South Hopkins Middle School with 59 pounds.
Southside made the drive a contest between their Houses, and the results were announced during a special assembly. The winner was the Teal House - Lynx - House of Kindness with 38.3 pounds. Second was the Yellow House - Cougars - House of Responsibility with 37.9 pounds. At SHMS, 1st place was Isibindi - House of Courage with 34.6 pounds. HCCHS held a contest between homerooms, with Ms. Hancock’s homeroom in top place.
This community service project served as a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House of the Ohio Valley, which provides support for families of critically sick children. HCCHS teacher Valerie Dunlap, one of the club’s advisers, said the club’s mission was to raise awareness in the community, get everyone involved, and make a difference!
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Graduating seniors going into careers ranging from health care to automotive service to the military and more took part in the Career Signing Day on April 30 at Mahr Park Arboretum. Thirty-six students and their families attended the annual event organized by Hopkins County Career and Technology Center. Congratulations to all!
The program included a welcome from Assistant County Attorney Hillary Croft, senior recognition by Hopkins County Central instructional leader Sarah Sowders, and closing remarks from HCS Superintendent Dr. Damon Fleming. Thanks to the businesses and organizations who have invested in these students! The full list of students and businesses is available online. Additional photos are posted on the HCCTC Facebook page.
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Students from throughout the district set up displays and explained how they are lifelong learners, effective communicators, and more May 7 during the district’s Future Ready Showcase!
Our schools selected students to represent each of the district’s six Future Ready characteristics: Connecting & Collaborating, Effective Communicator, Innovator, Lifelong Learner, Contributing Citizen, and Responsible & Accountable. Thanks to the students, staff, families, and community members who participated! Our students did a great job explaining what they have learned! Events like this show the true meaning behind “Great Futures Start Here!”
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Presley Rainwater, a student at Pride Elementary School, won 1st place in the Elementary District Talent Show for a vocal performance to “Popular.” Marley Cavanaugh of Southside Elementary, who gave a piano/vocal performance of “Count On Me,” received 2nd place. Mollie Carter of Jesse Stuart Elementary, who performed a lyrical dance to the song “Talking to the Moon,” placed 3rd.
The guest performer was Mollie Robinson. Masters of ceremony were Ben Patterson and Liv Williams of Grapevine Elementary. Stage managers were Garrett Ball and Alistair Bruce of Pride Elementary. Liv Williams is the winner of the Summer Arts Academy Scholarship.
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Samuel Okunmuyide of James Madison Middle School won 1st place in the Middle School District Talent Show for a piano performance of “Fur Elise.” Jane Emerson of JMMS, who performed a dance to the song “Lonely,” received 2nd place. Bailey Ruby of South Hopkins Middle School, who gave a vocal/guitar performance of “Heartbroken,” placed 3rd.
The guest performer was Kohl Arnett. Master of ceremonies was Mason Kittinger of West Hopkins School. Stage managers were Heidi Pendergraff Browning Springs Middle School and Jaxon Vincent of JMMS. Corbyn Goforth of BSMS received the Summer Arts Academy Scholarship.
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Mya Latimer and Jayden Chandler of Madisonville North Hopkins High School won 1st place in the High School District Talent Show for a vocal/piano/drums performance of “The Greatest.” Erin Wilson of MNHHS, who gave a vocal performance of “Gimme Gimme,” received 2nd place. The band Unchained, which includes MNHHS students Mason Dunbar, Jacob Payne, River Stone, and Cristian Thomasson, placed 3rd with their performance of “Sickened Hate.”
The guest performer was Kohl Arnett. Master of ceremonies was Allie Thomison of MNHHS. Stage managers were Heidi Pendergraff Browning Springs Middle School and Jaxon Vincent of JMMS. Erin Wilson received the Summer Arts Academy Scholarship.
Thanks to Madisonville Community College Lions Club for sponsoring the district competitions in collaboration with the Glema Center! The Talent Show Series is organized by Hopkins County Schools District Services for Gifted and Talented.
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Congratulations to Lillian Cunningham for her artwork being selected for the cover of the 2026 PressPoint Journal of Creativity!
Lillian submitted her artwork “Still Waters” as a 4th grader at West Broadway Elementary. She is now enrolled at West Hopkins School. The PressPoint cover reveal was presented by her former West Broadway GT Coordinator Morgan Russell, West Hopkins School GT Coordinator Jennie Knight, and Elementary District GT Coordinator, Lindsay Arnett.
Congratulations also go out to the following “Best In” category winners:
🔹Black & White Art: Audrey Bunch, Madisonville North Hopkins HS
🔹Black & White Photography: Cooper Laskowski, Browning Springs MS
🔹Poetry: Peyton Hambric, BSMS
🔹Song Lyrics: Mattie Beck, West Hopkins School
🔹Short Stories: Valerie Bernal- MNHHS
PressPoint is organized by Hopkins County Schools District Services for Gifted and Talented.
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With a mix of country and bluegrass songs, the Hopkins County Central choir gave a memorable performance recently at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville.
“It was great,” said senior Chance Littlepage. “We played outside and we definitely drew a crowd in.”
When HCCHS choral director Kelly Oliver learned the museum was looking for performers, she jumped at the chance. “Of course, I said yes,” she said. “They did great, but I’m pretty biased.” She believes this is the first time a local school group has performed at the museum.
Students dedicated a lot of time and effort to rehearsals for the 20- to 30-minute performance. Songs included “Rocky Top,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Y’all Come,” and “Man of Constant Sorrow.”
“It was a variety of country music, bluegrass,” said senior Garrett Morgan. “We did a lot of Bill Monroe because he is from western Kentucky so we wanted to represent our roots in country music. We had to do ‘Rocky Top’ because we were in the state of Tennessee. Of course we did our state song, ‘My Old Kentucky Home. It was a very beautiful arrangement.” The song “16 Tons” made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford was performed as an acapella jazz arrangement.
Abiagael Storms said the preparation was time-consuming, but it was a great experience. Savannah Williams said, “It was a good time because we were able to not only perform, but we were able to spend time with each other. That’s really important when you’re a team.”
The students expressed appreciation for Oliver making this opportunity happen.
The choir has one final performance this school year, at the HCCHS Baccalaureate. However, students excitedly shared that they had been invited to perform at the Ryman Auditorium. The cost was too steep, but Oliver shared that they’re definitely looking forward to other performance opportunities, whether returning to Nashville or possibly going to Branson, Mo.
“These guys can do anything,” she said.
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We want to celebrate Hopkins County Schools staff members who embody “Great Futures Start Here!” HCS Superintendent Dr. Damon Fleming started this recognition program to honor staff members who go above and beyond to create opportunity, inspire greatness, and remove barriers so all students and staff can thrive.
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Donna Potts, a 2nd grade teacher at Jesse Stuart Elementary, was honored with the Great Futures Award during the Board of Education meeting on May 18. She demonstrates excellence in Student-Centered Impact and Service & Dedication.
She sees the potential in every student, consistently staying true to her belief that education is about more than just curriculum, but about building confidence and character in your students. She is a steady source of inspiration, reminding co-workers every day that their "why" is found in the small moments shared with students.
While Ms. Potts is retiring after this year, she still approaches every lesson with the same enthusiasm and commitment to student growth that she has had since her first year of teaching. She has shaped how Jesse Stuart teachers teach their students and leaves a huge legacy at the school.
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Tyrone Gregory, who serves as the School Resource Officer and Football Coach at Browning Springs Middle School, was honored with the Great Futures Award at the May 4 Board of Education meeting. He demonstrates excellence in Student-Centered Impact, Leadership & Collaboration, Service & Dedication, and Family & Community Engagement.
Officer Gregory does a wonderful job of not only keeping Browning Springs safe but also building a positive relationship with students. Every day, he can be seen in the hallways talking to students about their day or in the cafeteria eating a meal with a group of students. He frequently audits school safety procedures to make sure they are up to date and exceed the minimum requirements.
He is also praised for his outstanding support of his football players. He is very attentive to weather conditions and follows procedures required of a coach, showing commitment to both student well-being and professional responsibility. His reliability, care, and dedication make him truly deserving of this honor.
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Garrett Ball, a 5th grader at Pride Elementary, was honored at the Board of Education meeting on May 4 for winning the AARP Grandparent of the Year Essay Contest for Hopkins County! The contest is administered by the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association. Garrett’s essay told of the influence of his granny, Bonnie Ball. |
The High School Winter Sports Athletes of the Year were honored at the Board of Education meeting on May 4. Those recognized include the following:
• Athletes of the Year – Maria Kerby, cheer/powerlifting, Hopkins County Central HS, and Sy Soriano, swim, Madisonville North Hopkins HS.
• Citizenship Athletes of the Year – Addison Howard, swim, MNHHS, and Trey Starks, basketball, MNHHS.
• Heart of the Team Athletes of the Year –Maria Alvarado, cheer, HCCHS, and Aiden Clark, swim, MNHHS.
• Sportsmanship Athletes of the Year – Reese Richey, swim, HCCHS, and Deacon Dever, basketball, MNHHS.
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The Middle School Winter Sports Athletes of the Year were honored at the Board of Education meeting on May 4. Those recognized include the following:
• Athletes of the Year – Leah Burton, basketball, South Hopkins MS, and Cooper Winstead, archery, West Hopkins School.
• Citizenship Athletes of the Year – Paislee Blair, cheer, West Hopkins School, and Weston Smith, basketball, SHMS.
• Heart of the Team Athletes of the Year – Olivia Martin, track, BSMS, and Isaac Rice, archery, James Madison MS.
• Sportsmanship Athletes of the Year – Chesney Fulkerson, volleyball, JMMS, and Aiden Robinson-Orr, basketball, SHMS.
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Three WKEC Champion volleyball teams were recognized by the Board of Education during the May 4 meeting.
Those honored include James Madison Middle School’s 8th grade team, South Hopkins Middle School’s 7th grade team, and the SHMS 6th grade team (pictured together). All won their respective championships.
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Registration for the Hopkins County-Madisonville Public Library 2026 Summer Reading Program opened on Tuesday, May 26th. The theme is “Unearth a Story.” All ages are invited to join them during June and July to “dig a story” as they explore history, archaeology, paleontology, and nature.
The library will also have a VolunTEEN program for any students needing hours for Beta, Y-Club, or any other outreach-oriented club. The application is available at the link above.
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320 S. Seminary St.
Madisonville, KY 42431
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