Warren County Public Schools INSIDE
Annual Edition #4
The IMPACT Center for Leadership & Innovation Opens Its Doors
ANNUAL EDITION 2026
Inside This Edition IMPACT Center Opens & GHS Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
3
Softball State Champions, No. 1 in the Nation
8
Graduation, Readiness & Grow Your Own
4
Distinguished Alumni & ATHENA Award
9
Statewide Honors & STEM Grants
5
10
Bands, Robots & Award-Winning Cafeterias
6
WCPS Education Foundation & National/Global Honors UWSK Community Partnership
11
Milestones in Leadership & Early Learning
7
WCPS Gives Back
12
1,451
2025-26 GRADUATES
$29M+
IN SCHOLARSHIPS EARNED
I N SI DE WARRE N C OUNT Y PUBL I C S C H OO L S
800
PRESCHOOLERS EACH YEAR
14 + 6
LIGHTHOUSE & LEGACY SCHOOLS
2
I N N O VAT I O N & G R O W T H
Opening Doors to What's Next: Two New Learning Environments, Expanded Opportunities for Students
IMPACT Center for Leadership & Innovation Opens Its Doors & Greenwood High School Celebrates the Ribbon-Cutting of Its Newly Renovated Spaces
IMPACT Center for Leadership & Innovation; students work a mock crime scene in the medical sciences pathway.
Warren County Public Schools celebrated the official opening of the new IMPACT Center for Leadership & Innovation, welcoming students and staff to this unprecedented innovative learning space. The opening of the IMPACT Center marks an exciting step forward in providing students with cutting-edge technology and real-world learning opportunities in the areas of AI and Cyber Systems; Aeronautics; Biomedical Innovation; Design, Enterprise and
Greenwood High School: a $52M renovation spanning 63,280 square feet.
Visionary Arts; and Robotics and Advanced Systems. The district also celebrated continued growth with the Greenwood High School Ribbon Cutting and Open House, highlighting a $52 million multi-phased renovation project spanning 63,280 square feet designed to enhance the student experience. Greenwood gained an updated media center with new collaborative learning spaces, athletic and health and wellness facilities, and a redesigned traffic flow system.
IN SID E WA RREN CO UNT Y PU BLI C S C HO O LS
Together, these celebrations reflect WCPS' commitment to creating modern learning environments and expanding opportunities that prepare students for success from preschool to profession.
3
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
Preparing Students for Postsecondary Success
1,451
GRADUATES, 2025-26
$29M+
SCHOLARSHIPS EARNED
97.1%
FOUR-YEAR GRADUATION RATE
95.8%
POSTSECONDARY READINESS RATE
Congratulations to the 1,451 WCPS graduates from the 2025-2026 school year who earned more than $29 million in scholarships and are taking their next step toward their future goals.
OUR PEOPLE
Grow Your Own: Investing in Tomorrow's Educators Congratulations to WCPS educators who are furthering their education through the district's partnership with Western Kentucky University and the Grow Your Own Program, investing in their continued growth and the future of education.
IN SID E WA RREN CO UNT Y PU BLI C S C HO O LS
4
S TAT E W I D E H O N O R S
Preschool Programs Earn Highest Kentucky All STARS Rating Congratulations to all Warren County Public Schools' preschool sites for earning the prestigious Level 5 Kentucky All STARS rating, the highest designation awarded through Kentucky's quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs. This recognition reflects each program's commitment to high-quality instruction, staff growth, family engagement and strong leadership practices. The honored programs include Alvaton Elementary, Early Learning Academy, Briarwood Elementary, Jody Richards Elementary, Bristow Elementary, North Warren Elementary, Cumberland Trace Elementary and Richardsville Elementary. This achievement highlights the dedication of WCPS' early childhood educators in creating exceptional learning experiences for our youngest learners.
SRO Deputy Dean Clark Named KYSRO Rookie of the Year Congratulations to Deputy Dean Clark on being named the Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers (KYSRO) Rookie of the Year. This statewide recognition honors his dedication, commitment and the positive impact he continues to make while serving students, staff and families across Warren County Public Schools.
WCPS Schools Earn TVA STEM Classroom Grants Congratulations to South Warren Middle School, Rockfield Elementary School, Alvaton Elementary School, Drakes Creek Middle School and the Warren County Area Technology Center for earning Tennessee Valley Authority STEM Classroom Grants. These competitive awards support innovative, hands-on STEM learning opportunities, giving students even more chances to explore, create and solve realworld challenges.
IN SID E WA RREN CO UNT Y PU BLI C S C HO O LS
5
STUDENT EXCELLENCE
Bands, Robots and Award-Winning Cafeterias Warren East Band Wins International Award Congratulations to Warren East High School for bringing home the gold as the 2026 Winter Guard International Sport of the Arts Percussion Scholastic Concert A Class World Champions. Their extraordinary talent was on full display, earning them recognition on a world stage.
FIRST LEGO League State Championship Seven WCPS teams competed in the FIRST LEGO League State Championship, showcasing impressive innovation, teamwork and problem-solving skills. WEMS Raider Robotics Blue earned second place overall, as well as the Robot Design Award, and received an invitation to compete at the World Championship, an incredible accomplishment for the team. Congratulations to all the WCPS students who participated.
Nutrition & Dining Services Earns Statewide Honors Warren County Public Schools' Nutrition & Dining Services team received outstanding recognition at the Kentucky School Nutrition Association Conference. The Warren East High School cafeteria staff was named Team of the Year, and every WCPS cafeteria earned the KSNA Award of Excellence, Gold Level for the fifth consecutive year. Impressively, half of this year's Gold Level awards in Kentucky (24 of 48) were earned by WCPS, reflecting the district's continued commitment to providing exceptional nutrition services for students every day. IN SID E WA RREN CO UNT Y PU BLI C S C HO O LS
6
DISTRICT MILESTONES
WCPS Celebrated Major Milestones in Leadership and Early Learning Warren County Public Schools celebrated two significant milestones that highlight the district's continued commitment to developing leadership skills in all students, beginning in their earliest years and extending through their academic careers.
Three More Legacy Schools
A New Early Learning Academy This past academic year, the district also celebrated
Three additional schools — Rockfield Elementary,
the opening of the new Early Learning Academy,
North Warren Elementary and Briarwood
WCPS' first stand-alone preschool academy. The
Elementary — were recognized as FranklinCovey
facility represents a significant investment in
Legacy Schools, the highest distinction awarded to
early childhood education and provides students
Leader in Me schools. Legacy Schools exemplify a
with an exceptional environment to begin their
strong leadership culture by empowering students,
educational journey.
staff and families while serving as global models of leadership excellence.
As 42 preschool classrooms across the district welcome approximately 800 students each year
With these recognitions, WCPS is now home to 14
offering four full days of instruction each week,
Lighthouse Schools and six Legacy Schools, the most
students are immersed in readiness instruction,
of any school district in the world.
learning through play, social-emotional development and leadership growth through the Leader in Me preschool curriculum.
Together, these accomplishments reflect WCPS' ongoing commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for students at every stage of their educational journey, from preschool to profession. IN SID E WA RREN CO UNT Y PU BLI C S C HO O LS
7
AT H L E T I C S
Lady Spartans Capture Softball State Championship, Earn National No. 1 Ranking
2026 KHSAA State Champions
South Warren High School Softball made history with a remarkable season, capturing the 2026 KHSAA State Championship and earning the program's first state title.
No. 1
NATIONAL RANKING
First
STATE TITLE IN PROGRAM HISTORY
The Lady Spartans' outstanding performance also propelled them to the No. 1 national ranking, a testament to their talent, determination and commitment throughout the season. This historic achievement brought tremendous pride to the entire community and showcased the excellence of Warren County Public Schools on both the state and national stage.
IN SID E WA RREN CO UNT Y PU BLI C S C HO O LS
8
RECOGNITION
WCPS Hall of Distinguished Alumni Congratulations to our 2026 Hall of Distinguished Alumni inductees. Tucker Ballinger Garry Dale Chaffin Sr. Kyle D. Cochran Rev. Dr. Martha Jacqueline DeBerry Janel Leonard-Doyle John Michael Huffman State Representative Kevin Jackson Dr. Jamie Michelle Bunch Jarboe J. Pat Stewart
S TA F F H O N O R S
ATHENA Leadership Award Congratulations to our Director of Grants and Community Outreach, Dr. Tracey Young, on being named the recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional excellence and a deep commitment to empowering others in our community. Dr. Young's dedication to creating opportunities for our students, staff and families continues to make a lasting impact across Warren County and beyond.
IN SID E WA RREN CO UNT Y PU BLI C S C HO O LS
9
W C P S E D U C A T I O N F O U N D AT I O N
WCPS Education Foundation Update Established in 2023, the WCPS Education Foundation enables businesses, individuals and community stakeholders to make a direct, meaningful impact on students through investments that expand innovative teaching and learning opportunities. Since its inception, the Foundation's contributions have reached $515,125, thanks in large part to an extraordinary gift from Amy and David Chandler for the Early Learning Academy's Outdoor Playground. The WCPS Education Foundation exists to support all students and schools. Investors have the ability to designate their donations to the school or project they wish to support. Donations are fully tax-deductible and will make a difference in the lives of students.
$515,125
20+
130
62
TOTAL RAISED
TOTAL DONORS
PROJECTS FUNDED
VISIONARY CIRCLE MEMBERS
In addition, beginning January 1, 2027, the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit lets Kentuckians claim a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $1,700 per individual for gifts to approved Scholarship-Granting Organizations benefiting K-12 students, and the Foundation qualifies, so the tax credit stays in Warren County. Watch for more details on this exciting development.
Ways to Give Give online · Mail a gift · Payroll deduction · Corporate sponsorship
DONATE AT SUPPORTWCPS.ORG
Students on the National & Global Stage
Hosamulhaq Brula, of South Warren High School and The Gatton Academy, is a 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars semifinalist.
Ethan Propp (right), of Greenwood High School, placed runner-up at the 2026 Future Problem Solving International Competition as a member of a MAGIC team, made up of students from different areas.
South Warren's Future Problem Solving team finished third in the world. Team members are Ella Pile, Wyatt Propp, Edin Salihovic and Kenny Chen.
Korbyn Parker, a South Warren freshman, won the national 100-meter hurdles title at the 2026 Adidas Track Nationals.
Ava Jones, a 2026 Warren Central graduate, is a Team USA archer who is a worldrecord holder in barebow archery and the 2026 Pan American Champion. Her accomplishments have established her as one of the nation's rising stars.
PA R T N E R S H I P S
A Partnership Creating BIG Opportunities WCPS extends its sincere appreciation to United Way of Southern Kentucky for its continued partnership and support. Through investments in the KinderReady Summer Academy, Little Learners
Together, this partnership is making a lasting impact on students, families and the community.
Mobile Classroom and College & Career Readiness programs, United Way is helping create meaningful opportunities for students from preschool to profession.
IN SID E WA RREN CO UNT Y PU BLI C S C HO O LS
11
SERVICE
WCPS Gives Back
Dance Little Red Raises Over $12K WCPS students and staff danced their way to more than $12,000 for Norton Children's Hospital.
Over the Edge for the Child Advocacy Center Annually, WCPS team members raise funds to support Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center through the Over the Edge event. WCPS has received the Team Fundraising Award each year since its inception.
303 Lovers Lane · Bowling Green, KY 42103
United Way's Day of Caring WCPS volunteers supported the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center's Blanket Project, added landscaping at United Way's office, and painted a United Way Born Learning Trail.
Team WCPS Supports Feed the Need WCPS staff volunteered with United Way of Southern Kentucky's annual Feed the Need Drive to fight hunger locally.