Special to the Sun
Nine exemplary individuals and one accomplished group compose the 2026 class of the Woodford County Public Schools Hall of Fame.
The organization will honor its 14th class of inductees on Aug. 28 and 29, first during halftime of the Woodford County High School football game (Aug. 8) and then at a ceremony in the Woodford County High School Theater (Aug. 9).
Launched in 2012, the Hall of Fame pays tribute to alumni of Woodford County schools, as well as to local citizens who support Woodford students.
The first round of this year’s inductees is described below. To find out more about the Hall of Fame follow our facebook page, Woodford County Public Schools Hall of Fame. For information about nominating future inductees, email wcpshof@woodford.kyschools.us. To check out past inductees, go to https://www.woodford.kyschools.us/halloffame.
Distinguished Achievement as a student, teacher, professor or administrator
Inducted in academics for distinguished achievement as a student, teacher, professor or administrator is Dr. L. Taylor Phillips (WCHS 2006): Award-winning Scholar, Researcher, Author, Speaker and Professor.
At WCHS, Phillips earned the Most Outstanding freshman, sophomore and junior Academic Awards and was 2006 Valedictorian. She was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, captain of the Academic team and won over 20 class medals and certificates.
In 2005-06, Phillips was the Woodford County, Kentucky, and America’s Junior Miss, based on her scholastic record, self-expression and talents. She received a $50,000 scholarship and toured the country promoting the organization’s “Be Your Best Self” program.
Phillips received a B.A. in psychology and human biology (2010 with Honors and Distinction) and a PhD in organizational behavior (2016), both granted by Stanford University and its Graduate School of Business.
In 2010 Phillips worked at UNESCO in Geneva, Switzerland and since 2016 has been a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Among her many accomplishments is a list of over 25 juried publications, more than 25 Invited Talks and awards including the Early Career Award from the International Society for Justice Research, the Association for Psychological Sciences’ Rising Star Early Career Award and Poets, and the Quants Best Undergraduate Professors Award.
Master teacher, school leader,
Kentucky Social Studies Teacher of the Year
Also inducted in academics is Terri Vaughn Morford (WCHS 1983-2017) as a master teacher, school leader, Kentucky Social Studies Teacher of the Year.
Morford had a 32-year impactful career at WCHS that included awards for WCHS Teacher of the Year and Kentucky Social Studies Teacher of the Year. In total, she was a leader for 40-plus years of service to the Woodford County Public Schools.
In support for Terri’s nomination to the WCPS Hall of Fame, one of her former students wrote: “There are teachers who instruct, and there are teachers who shape the very trajectory of a young person’s life. Mrs. Morford did the latter for me, and for countless others.”
Her impact on WCHS was significant and to this day can still be felt. She taught social studies courses of all types from the general level to College Advanced Placement classes. She led the social studies department as chair for many years.
Morford was twice named WCHS Teacher of the Year, and also won the Kentucky Social Studies Teacher of the Year award. She then became one of the first Woodford County teachers to successfully complete the rigorous process of becoming a National Board Certified teacher.
As cheerleading sponsor (1983-87 and 2013-16) she brought the squad into the modern era of cheerleading competition. As special events coordinator, she founded events such as Jacketfest and Spring Fling which are still a part of the WCHS culture today.
Her Cultural Diversity class gave rise to the Human Rights and SIMCA clubs and the highly successful Harambee Choir, which gained local, state and national recognition. She was also a highly effective leader as the Senior Class Sponsor and as a Site-Base Council Member.
Look for our next group of inductees in next week’s Sun.