This past Friday finality was given to a topic that has recently been the focus of some controversy online, as a press announcement was released detailing the official choices for both the new mascot and color scheme for the upcoming consolidated Carter County High School. Last week was rather busy for the school district as voting for the finalists – which as a reminder came down to the Aces and the Coyotes – as well as their associated color choices were held. After collecting all of the public votes and tallying their total all that was left was for the district to announce its winners. They released an official press announcement which read:
“Carter County Schools is pleased to announce that public and school voting for the mascot, colors, and name of the new Carter County High School is complete. The votes have been tallied with the Coyotes coming out on top. The branding colors of the new high school will be blue, black, silver, and white. It was important to complete branding decisions at this time in order for the Architects to include school specific elements in the construction documents for the new Carter County High School. These selections will be presented to the Carter County Board of Education for final approval”
Along with the announcement Carter County Schools also added some background on this whole process to help clarify just how these decisions were made. A Branding Committee was established in November 2024 and was charged to follow board policies to engage stakeholders and make an advisory recommendation to the Carter County Board of Education for the name, mascot, and other branding of the new Carter County High School. The Committee was comprised of 25 voting members including a board member liaison, Athletic Directors (2), coach representatives (2), high school principals (3), high school staff members (3), students from middle (4) and high schools (4), representatives from band/music and cheer (2), booster club members (2) and designees from PTO (2). The Branding Committee initially set selection criteria and solicited ideas from school personnel, students, and the community. They reviewed, categorized and ranked these ideas to finalize top options for final voting. Elections were held for school personnel, students and the community for the mascot, school colors, and the name of the school. Once these branding items are approved by the board of education, vendors will be contacted to begin development of the new mascot and a rollout of official colors.
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Registration for this year’s 4-H Camp will be opening soon and that means your local 4-H department is currently looking for organizations and even individuals that would like to sponsor a child’s attendance to this year’s camp. If you, or someone you know, is interested in being a sponsor then you may donate on the following tiers: a Clover sponsorship which provides a partial scholarship of your chosen amount, Bronze sponsor provides a half scholarship totaling $160, Silver a whole scholarship at $325, Gold that provides two scholarships at a price point of $325, and finally the Emerald sponsors which provide over $1000 in donations.
If you would like to get involved and donate then please email rebecca.hayes@uky.edu or mail in your donation to the extension office located at 94 Fairground Drive in Grayson. The annual 4-H camp offering is an amazing experience and this year your local 4-H leaders are aiming to allow every child to attend regardless of finances.
Once again if you would like to make a donation and become a sponsor today then please reach out and email rebecca.hayes@uky.edu.
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Carter Caves State Resort Park will be hosting a job fair during the month of February where they are looking to round out their friendly and dedicated team with seasonal positions. The fair is scheduled for Monday, February 17th from 3 until 5pm inside the Lewis Caveland Lodge. Stop by for a chance to interview for positions ranging from housekeeping, food service, lifeguards, recreation, the front desk, campground, maintenance, and even working the mini golf course.
Anyone who may be interested in joining the Carter Caves Staff in one of these positions is being encouraged not to miss their opportunity to work at one of Kentucky’s most beautiful state parks. For more information about the upcoming job fair be sure to reach out and contact Carter Caves State Resort Park by calling 606-286-4411
Carter Caves State Resort Park is located at 344 Caveland Drive in Olive Hill, Kentucky. Accommodations are available at the Lewis Caveland Lodge, along with cottages and a campground. For more information about park lodgings, dining, and hiking you’re invited to visit parks.ky.gov.