By Lori Jones, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Woodford County Public Schools
Every school district has a roster of graduates and esteemed retired educators, but Woodford County has something far deeper: a generational heartbeat. Whether you walk down Main Street in Versailles, pass by the historic storefronts in Midway or drive along our rural corridors, you will find generations of families whose stories began right inside our classrooms. That shared legacy is why we recently established the Woodford County Public Schools Alumni Association—and why its growth is so essential to our future.
When our community came together to shape our Strategic Vision, we recognized that world-class education cannot happen in isolation within four walls. It requires strong, durable bridges connecting our schools to the world waiting outside. That commitment is formally captured in our Pillar 3: Caregiver and Community Partnerships.
Pillar Three is rooted in a simple belief: when caregivers, local businesses, civic leaders and community members stand alongside our educators, our students thrive. For years, we have seen that partnership in action through engaged PTOs, local business sponsorships and dedicated volunteers. Yet, one vital constituency remained largely disconnected—the thousands of men and women who once walked our halls as students and went on to become innovators, tradespeople, artists, educators, healthcare workers and civic leaders across the commonwealth, nation and the world.
The Woodford County Alumni Association bridges that gap directly, turning our living history into an active resource for the next generation of Yellowjackets.
Our initial goals for the Alumni Association focus on three fundamental pillars: connection, mentorship and celebration. From an initial core of over 200 members, we have set an ambitious goal to grow our network to 5,000 alumni. Whether you graduated five years ago or 50 years ago, your ties to Woodford County remain permanent. By creating a unified directory and communication hub, we are giving former students and staff a direct pipeline back home to share their expertise, celebrate milestones and reunite around shared pride.
Current WCPS students need to see the possibilities and opportunities that are available for them. Through the Alumni Association, our students will have direct access to guest speakers, shadowing opportunities, internships and career panels led by people who sat in the very same desks. When a sophomore interested in aviation, agriculture, healthcare or public service meets an alum succeeding in that exact field, dreams become an achievable plan.
The Woodford Alumni Association is a partner to the WCPS Hall of Fame, which honors diverse achievements of our graduates and patrons across academics, athletics, the arts and public service. By honoring those who came before, we provide our current students with tangible role models whose journeys began on the same fields and stages.
True community partnership is reciprocal. A thriving school district fuels a vibrant county, and a supportive community elevates student achievement. When our alumni reinvest their time, wisdom and perspectives into our schools, they reinforce the circle of care around every child.
They remind a middle schooler finding their voice that their hometown believes in them. They show a senior weighing their post-secondary options that the Woodford network extends far beyond graduation day. They provide our teachers with outside industry insights and authentic partner projects that make learning come alive.
Woodford County’s greatest asset has always been its people. As we continue implementing our strategic vision, we invite every graduate or staff member—whether you still call Woodford home or are representing our community across the globe—to take your place in this growing circle. Your journey matters to us, and your story has the power to inspire the students following in your footsteps.
You can join the Woodford Alumni Association by visiting www.woodfordalumni.org or by calling Central Office at 859-879-4600.
Woodford County Public Schools Superintendent Lori Jone, Ed.D., writes a regular monthly column for The Woodford Sun.