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In 2022, Clark County Public Schools recognized their first-ever Hall of Fame Class during a George Rogers Clark High School ceremony. 

On Friday, August 23, the tradition continued. 

The 2024 Hall of Fame class was recognized between games of a doubleheader at Cardinal Stadium to open the football season. 

Reading from a written statement, public address announcer Ken Howard elaborated. 

“The goal of the Clark County Public Schools Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals who have contributed to their profession and community while practicing character qualities such as perseverance, self-discipline, curiosity, honesty, responsibility [and more],” he said. “Whether it’s a prominent athlete, an academic innovator, or a trailblazer in their profession, these successful individuals serve as an example for current students and former graduates as well as all of the Clark County community.” 

This year’s Hall of Fame class includes Paul Columbia, Betty Curtis, Joe Gilliam, Jan Horn, William “Marty” Jackson, Jackie McCloud, Martha Miller, Michael “Bear” Rogers, Harvie Spry, and Sandy Stults. 

Many of the individuals listed have educational backgrounds. 

For example, Stults – who has served as Executive Director of the Bluegrass Heritage Museum for the past 17 years – had a distinguished teaching career of over 30 years in both middle and high school. 

Betty Curtis served as a bus driver for Clark County Public Schools for 50 years, creating many memorable experiences and influencing many, while Spry has been a custodian since first taking the job in 1980.

Others were involved in athletics, both currently and formerly. 

For example, Rogers – the current girls’ golf coach – was mainly recognized for his long-term commitment to Clark County Public Schools’ sports. 

Joe Gilliam, father of the late quarterback and Super Bowl winner Joe Gilliam Jr., began coaching in Winchester in 1951 at Oliver High School. 

Horn – who spent the last 13 years at Robert D. Campbell Junior High School and Conkwright Middle School – was also an exceptional basketball player inducted into the 10th Region Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Columbia – a football player who formerly received tryouts with several NFL teams – was recognized for a 25+ year career in teaching math and holding other educational positions while also serving as a football coach. 

Certainly not least, McCloud—a 1971 graduate of GRC and long-time bus driver who excelled in basketball and baseball—was recognized for his contributions to girls’ softball. 

McCloud was inducted into the Kentucky FastPitch Softball Hall of Fame after nearly 30 years of coaching. He currently stands as the 10th-winningest girls’ fast pitch coach in Kentucky history. 

Like many honorees, McCloud was present to accept the honors alongside family. 

“It’s a great honor…I never realized how big [of] an honor this was until they called me and asked me,” he said. “I have to give all the praise and glory to the Lord. The main thing is my players….[and] my coaching staff. They’re the ones that got me here tonight.” 

As expected, people from other professions were welcomed as well. 

Among them was former Winchester Police Chief William “Marty” Jackson, who—prior to his passing in April 2024—served the community of Winchester for nearly 50 years while performing various duties. 

Martha Miller, who has served as the Clark County Circuit Clerk since 2018 after working as Deputy Clerk, made history as the first African American Chief Deputy and Circuit Clerk in Kentucky. 

A mother of six and grandmother of twelve, Miller spoke following the ceremony. 

“[I’m] grateful for the honor [and] for the privilege,” she said. “As I say always, God put us here to serve, and that’s all I want to do.” 

Concluding the ceremony, Howard offered perspective. 

“Thank you to the Hall of Fame Class of 2024 for being the epitome of greatness,” he said. “Your contributions to Clark County Public Schools are appreciated and will have a lasting impact for years.”