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. 28) and then at a ceremony in the Woodford County High School Theater (Aug. 29).
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 next group of inductees for the Woodford County Public Schools Hall of Fame is in the category of Athletics (Extraordinary achievements as an athlete or coach). 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.
Outstanding Scholar, College Athlete, Professional Baseball All-Star,
and Championship High School and College Coach.
Davey Whitney was born in Midway and attended the Midway Colored School, graduating from the 8th grade as Class Salutatorian in 1944. When he and his classmate spread to other Kentucky high schools, Whitney chose Dunbar High in Lexington and led the basketball team to a Kentucky High School League State title in 1948. After high school, he attended and graduated from Kentucky State University in 1952. While there, Whitney lettered in basketball, baseball, football and track.
Whitney then began playing in the Negro American League for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1952 to 1954 as a shortstop and third baseman, and was named an All-Star in 1954.
Also in 1954, Whitney began his basketball coaching career, leading Burt High School in Clarksville, Tenn. In his time at Burt High School, he collected 200 victories, three State Championships, won the 1961 National Negro High School Basketball National Championship and was named the 1961 National High School Coach of the Year.
As a longtime successful college basketball coach at Southern University and Alcorn State, Whitney retired in 2003 with a 566-356 record, 6 NCAA tournament appearances, 12 SWAC titles and was named the SWAC Coach of the Year nine times. He was inducted into the Kentucky State, Alcorn State and State of Mississippi Sports Halls of Fame.
Career Achievement
(Extraordinary achievement through exceptional leadership or service)
Terry Smith (WCHS 1966) – Business leader and advocate for local and small businesses and an over 50-year inspirational and award-winning supporter of the Woodford County Schools. Smith is a “living legend” in Versailles and Woodford County for his leadership qualities, personality and work/service ethic that became the hallmark of his business career. He emerged and grew during his junior year and senior years at WCHS. Smith was voted Most Outstanding Student Council Member, Council Vice President, and his classmates voted him to three senior superlatives: Friendlist, Best Personality and Best Leader.
Following four-years in the U.S. Air-Force, including one-year in Vietnam, Smith returned to Kentucky, teaching at Southern Elementary in Lexington, working for a radio station and then as a teller at Woodford Bank.
Most remember Smith for his 38 years as the dynamic community-minded assistant manager (1977-1981) and manager (1981-86) of R.H. Hobbs. After the store moved from downtown to the Woodford Plaza, Smith purchased Hobbs and became the owner-operator of the popular business Terry’s.
He preserved the “Five and Dime” institution in Versailles long beyond its life in other communities. The Woodford County Chamber of Commerce named Smith “Business Person of the Year,” recognizing his personal service, business success, advocacy for local businesses, and his tremendous support for the Woodford County Public Schools.
Patron (Advanced a Woodford County Public School(s)
through leadership or a donation of time or resource)
Jo Ann Gormley (Patron) – Caring and impactful 40 years of service to the WCPS school community. Built connections between schools and parents lasting to this day.
Through her work as a community leader, Gormley directed the Woodford County Women’s Club “Coats and Shoes for Kids” Program for 40 years. She wrote annual grants to pay the added expense. The program served thousands of Woodford County School students. She also coordinated and co-created the Woodford County Bicentennial Pageant in 1988 and integrated students, teachers and classes into the project. In coordination with the Woodford County Heritage Council, Gormley helped organize the Annual Archaeological Dig at the Jack Jouett House for Woodford County fifth graders.
Gormely was employed as the first school liaison at Huntertown Elementary School. Starting in 1992, she coordinated and secured a generous grant for an innovative telemedicine program that connected the school nurse and students on school grounds with a doctor. In addition, she would make off-campus dental and medical appointments. She also ran programs for parents, such as the Parents as Teachers, an in-home visiting program which was newly established.
In November 2001, Gormely was honored by the Woodford County Board of Education for her many years of service to the community and its schools.