2 Saturday, June 1, 2019
POKE SALLET FESTIVAL
Harlan Enterprise
Welcome to the 64th Poke Sallet Festival On behalf of The Harlan County Fiscal Court and the Poke Sallet Festival Steering Committee, I am proud and honored to welcome you to the 64th annual Poke Sallet Festival in downtown Harlan. Whether Dan Mosley you are a Harlan Judge-Executive/ FesCountian who attival Co-Coordinator tends the festival annually or a visitor from another city, county or state, we hope you find an enjoyable and entertaining family experience at our event again this year. More activities are planned for this year including a concert by country music legend Pam Tillis on Saturday at 9 p.m. Walker Montgomery, the son of John Michael Montgomery, will open for Tillis on Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. Friday of the festival will be packed with local talent beginning at 4 p.m. Dakota Saylor and The Bloody Harlan Band, Laci Deaton, Big Thunder Kissin Radio Band, Kudzu Killers, Highway 119 and Bad Obsession, Harlan’s own Guns N’ Roses Tribute Band will rock the main stage. Contemporary Christian band Building 429 will headline the entertainment Thursday at 9 p.m. They have had numerous hits over the last decade on the contemporary Christian music scene. We are very excited to add the KidBuck$ Game Show to our festival this
year. Come see this new addition to the festival and let your children participate in this exciting game show on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Huff Park. The annual Sue Ford Memorial Car Show will take place on Saturday morning on First and Central Streets to benefit Harlan County Christian School. Boy Scout Troop 149 will host a motorcycle show on Saturday at 10 a.m. behind the
Family will headline the entertainment on that stage at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday. The carnival will again provide many diverse rides for a variety of ages. The carnival will be open Wednesday-Saturday this year and will again offer daily ride wristbands for purchase all evening Wednesday and Thursday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. As always at the festival, you can expect
Justice Center in the gated lot. The annual Run for the Hills 5K will also take place this year at the courthouse Saturday morning, and don’t forget the Pet Show also Saturday. Be sure to stop by the gospel stage on Saturday as well from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Bowling
great food, music, arts, crafts and more! Last year, local non-profit groups, raised more than $20,000 for their organizations at the festival. This statistic has been consistent over the years the festival has transitioned from up in town to down around the center. The impact
this is having on our community continues to be positive. More than 62 percent of our vendors this year are from Harlan County, so much of the money that is spent here at the festival will stay here. The Harlan County Fiscal Court is committed to the sustainability of this festival. It’s one of the oldest in Kentucky. I appreciate magistrates Clark Sparky Middleton, Bill Moore, Paul Browning, Jim Roddy, and James Howard for approving funding for this wonderful festival. I encourage you to thank your magistrates and tell them how much you enjoy the festival. We also sincerely appreciate all of our corporate sponsors who put forth their resources to provide more entertainment, activities, and promotion of the Poke Sallet Festival. The financial support put forth by these fine businesses and organizations truly shows their commitment to the festival and to all of us in the community who enjoy it. They are listed in the center of this tab. I would also like to thank Mayor Joe Meadors, the Harlan City Council, Harlan Tourist Commission, and Harlan Police Department for accommodating us on their properties during the festival. I want to thank my outstanding staff and the festival steering committee for helping me again this year with this major undertaking. Without all of their help, the festival would not be a success. This festival will provide plenty of fun for the entire family again this year! I hope you enjoy it and we look forward to seeing you there!
POKE SALLET FESTIVAL
Harlan Enterprise
Saturday, June 1, 2019 3
Annual 4-H Kids’ Fun Day is Wednesday at Huff Park By Raymond Cox
The annual 4-H Poke Sallet Kids’ Fun Day will be held Wednesday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Huff Park in downtown Harlan. This year’s event will mark the 18th year we have celebrated Kids’ Fun Day at Harlan Huff Park. The Harlan County 4-H Council and the Harlan County Government will provide free inflatables. We are adding more and more activities each year. The last eight years we added archery, presented by the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Steve Combs and Homer Pigman, which was well received. This year we will again have the archery program. Terry Connors, specialist with UK College of Agriculture Forestry Department will be presenting a Wood Products Display. Other displays games and/or exhibits will include Anthem, Trans-American Insurance, Army Corps of Engineers, KCEOC, Kentucky State Police, Cumberland Hope Center, Harlan County Adult Education (SkillsU), MCHC, Harlan County Sheriff ’s Office, Sunshine School, Harlan ARH and the Harlan Cancer Coalition. Harlan County Community Action Agency will provide a free lunch for children only. If the weather is favorable, the Air Evac helicopter will be available for children to examine. This will also mark the 18th year we have given away Poke Sallet 4-H Kids’ Fun Day T-Shirts. This seems to be a trademark of the 4-H Kids’ Fun Day now as everyone wants this T-shirt each year.
The first 1,100 in attendance will receive a free T-shirt. You must be present to get a T-shirt and only one T-shirt per person will be given. In addition to T-shirts, there will be free toothbrushes for the children. Other presenters will be Kentucky Farm Bureau, Tractor Supply Company, Harlan Fire Department and our Extension Office Family. The Harlan Fire Department will have a special unit set up for kids this year. Besides the free inflatables, there will be other games as well. We will have egg toss and sack race games. We will have free temporary tattoos, hula hoop contests, and face painting. Other games may be found at the exhibit and demonstration booths. There will be fun, games and prizes for everyone who attends. If we have left out any organization presenting, or anyone who would like to present, please accept our apology, call the Extension Office and register to present, and come on down to 4-H Kids’ Fun Day and see what else may be going on. Everything is free except for concessions. Refreshments will be sold by the Harlan County 4-H Teen Club to help pay for special 4-H Teen Club events. An event of this magnitude takes many volunteers and much hard work from our staff to make it successful. For all those who help we want to say thank you, and if you want to volunteer to help with 4-H Kids’ Fun Day or any other 4-H programs just give any of us a call at the Harlan County Cooperative Extension Service at 606-273-0835 or 606-573-4464.
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File photos ABOVE: Raymond Cox, Harlan County Extension agent, hands out T-shirts at Kids’ Fun Day. The first 1,100 in attendance at this year’s event will receive a free T-shirt. BELOW: Attendees enjoy the may activities offered at the event.
4 Saturday, June 1, 2019
POKE SALLET FESTIVAL
Harlan Enterprise
Festival a spirit of tradition, nod to our roots As co-coordinator of the 64th Annual Poke Sallet Festival, I am thrilled to present to you Harlan Countians, you out-of-towners, you Poke Sallet fanatics and you casual festival goers alike another great year of Brandon Pennington family fun in downHarlan Tourism/ Festitown Harlan! This val Co-Coordinator festival has grown and evolved since its conception and it has moved locations a few different times throughout the years, however, one thing remains true to this day: Poke Sallet Festival is uniquely Harlan County. In my duration as executive director of Harlan Tourism, I cannot count on one hand how many times I have been posed the question, “What is poke sallet?” Of course, I give the traditional answer being that poke sallet is a poisonous leafy green weed that’s indigenous in much of North America but in the south, and especially Appalachia, it’s a delicacy that has been foraged and eaten as a vegetable for centuries. However, there’s another answer that I find to be much more meaningful, impactful and, truthfully, special. Poke sallet is a symbol and a spirit here in Harlan County. It’s a symbol of community that binds us to our culture, our people, and our language. It’s a spirit of tradition and a nod to our Appalachian roots. That is reason to celebrate. That is reason to come together as a community and throw a fes-
tival in the name of poke! The steering committee for the festival has been hard at work to make this the most special festival yet. All of your favorite attractions will be returning which includes the Run for the Hills 5k, the Sue Ford Memorial Car Show, the Pet Show, the Voice of Poke, music throughout the day, inflatables, games and so much more. We also have some new draws including the quirky and fun “Kid Bucks” Gameshow hosted at Huff
val has within our community. Over 60 percent of our vendors are from Harlan County which means by partaking in this festival, you are keeping Harlan County dollars in Harlan County. You are also helping local families take care of their families by playing their games and buying their products. You are helping a local church raise money for their congregation, schools raise money for their teams and clubs and local nonprofits continue their services. Sec-
Park! Our carnival will return with all of your favorite rides and possibly some new additions! We are extremely excited to have the inspiring band Building 429 to headline our Thursday night, our hometown’s “Bad Obsession” (A Guns and Roses tribute band) to rock the main stage on Friday and the country legend Pam Tillis opened by country up-comer Walker Montgomery on Saturday. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the impact that the Poke Sallet Festi-
ondly, in terms of tourism, this festival brings many out-of-owners into our community that partake in the festival, that shop at our stores, buy gas at our gas stations, eat our restaurants and stay at our hotels. These visitors to our beautiful mountain hometown bring money and tax dollars to our community so be sure to invite all of your out of town family and friends to join us in all of the uniquely Harlan County fun and festivities! Lastly, I would like to take a moment
to thank all of our sponsors for the festival for without their commitment there would be no Poke Sallet Festival nor a trickle down effect to our families, our businesses, our restaurants, our charities and so on. Thank you to Dan Mosley and the Harlan County Fiscal Court for your commitment to Harlan County and the Poke Sallet Festival. I can confidently say that your generosity in presenting the festival does not go unnoticed by the community. Thank you for also affording me the opportunity to co-coordinate the festival as well. It has been a wonderful experience and one in which I hope to continue. Thank you to all of our corporate sponsors who have also committed to the festival. Your commitment allows us the opportunity to bring quality entertainment at affordable prices (if not free!) for all of Harlan County. This is especially critical within Harlan County with the current economy. Thank you to the mayor of Harlan and all of the departments of the city of Harlan for donating your services and property for the duration of the festival. Finally, thank you the Poke Sallet Festival Steering Committee. The team that makes up the steering committee is one that is dedicated, hardworking and works nonstop before, during, and after Poke Sallet to protect the integrity of the festival, provide a safe and fun environment for the entire community and ensure that the festival is a major success! I know I speak for us all when I say we cannot wait for you to see what we have planned and welcome to the 64th Annual Poke Sallet Festival of Harlan County!
Harlan Enterprise
POKE SALLET FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 1, 2019 5
Pam Tillis headlines main stage on Saturday Pam Tillis will headline the 64th annual Poke Sallet Festival in downtown Harlan on Saturday, June 8 at 9 p.m. The son of John Michael Montgomery, Walker Montgomery, will open for Tillis at 7:30 p.m. Prior to Montgomery, Corbin native and 2012 second place finisher to Jordan Smith in The Voice of Poke competition at the Poke Sallet Festival, Zac Hart, will take the stage at 6 p.m. The Voice of Poke finals will be at 5 p.m. with the winner announced following the Pam Tillis concert. As the child of country music royalty, Pam Tillis was determined from a young age to find her own way in music as a singer and songwriter. After many false starts with her own recording career, including a pop single on Elektra and 1984’s “Above And Beyond The Doll Of Cutey” for Warner Brothers, Tillis came to the attention of Tim Dubois who headed up the Nashville office of Arista records. After much soul searching, Tillis made the commitment to make an honest country record. The album “Put Yourself In My Place” yielded two No. 1’s, two top five singles and one top 20 hits and in its first year the album was certified gold. Tillis followed with three platinum albums on Arista “Homeward Looking Angel” in 1992, “Sweethearts Dance” in 1994 and an Arista “Greatest Hits” in 1997. Tillis achieved six No. 1 songs during this time including “Shake the Sugar Tree,” “Mi Vida Loca,” “When You Walk In The Room,” “In Between Dances,” “Don’t Tell Me What To Do” and “Maybe It Was Memphis” while 14 of Pam’s other singles landed in the top 10 and top 20.
Walker Montgomery opens the show at 7:30 p.m.
Tillis fell in love with music at an early age. Band, chorus, talent shows, church and the creative community of Nashville all helped to shape the young singer. Growing up, she was in a variety of bands, spanning from jazz and alternative country to top 40. She sang demos and lent her voice to many national jingles including Coke, Country Time Lemonade and a Coors Silver Bullet with country superstar Alan Jackson. At the same time, Tillis worked as a staff writer for Elektra Asylum Publishing and later took a job writing for Warner Brothers Publishing, which resulted in her songs being recorded by some of the biggest names throughout all genres of music, including artists like Chaka Khan, Juice Newton, Dan Seals, Gloria Gaynor, Conway Twitty and the top 10 “Someone Else’s Trouble Now” for Highway 101. Tillis has performed on the stages of Broadway in New York, modeled on the pages of Glamour Magazine and is a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry. Some of her most memorable award moments are being a threetime CMA award winner including the prestigious 1994’s Female Vocalist Of The Year Award, and being nominated multiple times for Grammy’s Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1993 for “Maybe It Was Memphis, in 1996 for “Mi Vida Loca” and in 1998 for “All The Good Ones Are Gone.” Pam is also proud to be a nine-time Acade-
my of Country Music Award nominee, a two-time Grammy award winner and six-time Grammy nominee and an American Music Award’s nominee. Most recently, Tillis has celebrated an IBMA award win in 2004 for Recorded Event Of The Year “Livin’ Lovin’ Losin’” and most recently a 2012 IBMA Song Of The Year nomination for co-writing, Dale Ann Bradley’s “Somewhere South Of Crazy.” Though Tillis has rolled easily with the tides and has drawn something from every new twist the ever-changing country music world has shown her, she Tillis has always insisted on writing and cutting songs that speak from the soul. The results have been records that emanate an almost painful beauty. With more than 30 singles charting on U.S. Billboard charts, 10 studio albums including her favorite, the critically acclaimed 2002 “It’s All Relative” (a tribute to her father, the great Mel Tillis), and three other releases “Rhinestoned,” “Recollection” and “Just In Time For Christmas” off her own label, Stellar Cat Records. In 2012 Red River Entertainment released ‘Dos Divas’ a Country Duo album with fellow superstar Lorrie Morgan under the name Grits and Glamour. Whether it’s on the elaborate stages of the Grand Ole Opry or in the intimate setting of Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, you will experience that feeling of delight that comes from Tillis sing-
ing exactly what she is meant to sing at that moment. Tillis’ star continues to shine brightly in the third decade of her career and is currently touring extensively on her own as well as with her “Grits And Glamour” tour partner, country star, Lorrie Morgan and her father Mel Tillis. For more information on the Poke Sallet Festival, visit www.pokesalletfestival.com.
Harlan Enterprise
POKE SALLET FESTIVAL
8 Saturday, June 1, 2019
Contestants vie for Miss Harlan County crown
Rhileigh Alred
Madison Blanton
Whitney Hensley
Karli Maggard
Emily Bryant
Lucy Bryson
Elaina McKnight
Whitney Couch
Emersyn Noah
Photos by Vicki Blakley
POKE SALLET FESTIVAL
Harlan Enterprise The 2019 Miss Harlan County Scholarship/Miss Poke Sallet Pageant will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4 at the Harlan Elementary School auditorium. Contestants vying for the crown include:
RHILEIGH ALRED
Rhileigh Starr Alred is representing Harlan County High School. She is the daughter of Dusty and Holly Alred. Rhileigh recently graduated as valedictorian at HCHS. She is a member of Mill Branch Church of God and Sunday school director. At Harlan County High School, Rhileigh was the vice-president of the National Honors Society and president of the Spanish Honors Society. She held the position as a Senior Link Crew leader that mentored 40 freshmen throughout the school year. In addition, Rhileigh lead the Pledge of Allegiance at HCHS. She was the editor of the school yearbook. Making decisions for the Student Council, as a senior decision maker, is another service Rhileigh was actively involved in. Rhileigh held membership in the National Beta Club, Kentucky High School Athletic Association HC Representative, Educational Talent Search, Gifted and Talented Education, Art Club, Rising Educators Club, FBLA, DECA and administrative assistant to the principal. She also was an honorary member of the National Society of High School Scholars and is a UK Board of Medicine nominee. Throughout her high school career, Rhileigh volunteered many services hours to the following programs in and out of school: Cram the Cruiser, Pennies for Patients, Diabetes Walk, CHD Awareness Walk, freshman mentor-tutor, dance choreographer, Gymnastics Kinder Classes, Link Crew Leader Freshman Transition, church food drives, Empty Stocking Fund and HCHS toy drives.
Rhileigh was voted Miss Harlan County High School and football homecoming queen by her peers. She was also voted “Monticello Bank” student of the month, Kentucky Mountain Laurel princess candidate and Hugh O’Brian (HOBY) Leader by her teachers. She was also named the WYMT Mountain Achiever by the University of Pikeville. Rhileigh cheered for Harlan County High School for six years and her squad won the Sweet Sixteen State Cheerleading Competition last year along with the district and region. She was a six time NCA-UCA All-American Cheerleader. In addition, she pitched and played left field for the award winning Harlan County High School softball team. She will be attending Lincoln Memorial University in the fall majoring in elementary education. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree, Rhileigh plans to return from college and use that degree to educate children of Harlan County.
MADISON BLANTON
Madison Leigh-Anne Blanton is representing Harlan County High School. She is the 18-year-old daughter of David Blanton II, of Tremont, and Wendy Gaw Blanton, of Harlan. Madison is a recent graduate of Harlan County High School and was voted Best All Around by her senior class. She is proud to proclaim that she is a Christian and attends the Loyall First Baptist Church. Her love for people and God’s creations has led her to be the person she is today. Madison is very sympathetic towards lost and mistreated animals. She volunteered for the local spay and neuter clinic as well as the pet store helping with the animals in her younger years. Madison has pursued her love of running since becoming a member of the
HCHS cross country team when she was only a third grader. She has received numerous awards throughout her seven years of running. Madison has been a member of the HCHS track and field team for 7 years. She was recognized for her talents in the long jump, triple jump, and high jump as well as running on several relay teams. Madison also played volleyball at Harlan County. She was also a three year starter on the HCHS soccer team. Despite her involvement in numerous after school activities, she always managed to remain diligent and focused on her studies. Madison strives for excellence by completing numerous college prep classes. Madison’s dedication to her education resulted in becoming a member of the Beta Club, the Spanish Honor Society, the national Honor Society, Talent Search and a member of Link Crew throughout her time at her alma mater. Madison’s love for animals has helped in her decision to pursue her career in veterinary medicine. She also plans to follow her mother’s footsteps and open up her home to foster children. She received dual scholarships to the University of the Cumberlands in track and field as well as soccer.
EMILY BRYANT
Emily Hollie-Grace Bryant is representing Harlan County High School. She is the daughter of Shawn and Lesley Bryant, of Harlan Emily is a recent graduate of Harlan County High School. While a student at Harlan County, Emily participated in many clubs such as National Honor Society, BETA Club and Health Occupations Students of America where she was the vice president. Emily is also very active in the community as she has completed 250 plus hours
Saturday, June 1, 2019 9 of community service at the ARH operating room, emergency department and medical-surgical unit. She also participated in various activities with the Humane Society. She was very active in the Angel Tree activities for multiple years. Emily also won third place in the Health Occupations Students of America state competition in the Medical Health Photography portion. She will be competing internationally in June In her future, she plans to attend Southeast Kentucky Community & TechnicalCollege in the fall as she has been accepted into the nursing program. After receiving her associate’s in nursing, she hopes one day to become a nurse anesthetist.
LUCY BRYSON
Lucy Bryson is representing Harlan High School as a rising senior in the class of 2020. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Stephen and Tara Bryson. Along with maintaining a spot on her school’s honor roll for three consecutive years, she is a member of her school’s track team, cross country team, Beta Club, academic team, pep club and drama club. Lucy was selected by her superintendent to represent her school on the board with Dan Mosley, for a recreational center coming to Harlan in the near future. Lucy resides in Harlan and attends Christ Episcopal Church where she volunteers with her youth group on trips to Christ’s Hands to feed the homeless, waiting tables at their annual fundraiser, delivering meals with With Love From Harlan and adopting families to provide food, Christmas presents and clothing for their annual Christmas project. In her cross country career, Lucy was awarded All SEKC Team her sophomore See PAGEANT | 11
POKE SALLET FESTIVAL
10 Saturday, June 1, 2019
Harlan Enterprise
Building 429 takes the stage Thursday Building 429, a Christian rock band, will headline the main stage on Thursday, June 7 at 8 p.m. The event is sponsored in part by Harlan Christian Church and New Covenant Church. Since the release of their debut album in 2000, Building 429’s Jason Roy (vocals), Michael Anderson (drums), Jesse Garcia (guitars), and Aaron Branch (bass) have tirelessly and passionately exhorted the faith community with popular battle cries such as “Where I Belong” and “We Won’t Be Shaken.” Their songs have also reached the peak of the radio charts, holding the No. 1 spot with “We Won’t Be Shaken” on Billboard’s Hot AC/CHR chart and AC Indicator for multiple weeks, eventually resulting in a nomination at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards (Top Christian Song). “Where I Belong” ( from 2011’s Listen To The Sound) also became one of the longest No. 1 singles in Billboard history of Billboard’s Christian charts with a whopping 15 weeks at the top.
“Where I Belong” went on to be named 2012 Christian Song of the Year and recognized as BMI’s 2013 Song of the Year. Building 429 also received recognition with a Grammy nomination in 2013 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (We Won’t Be Shaken), a K-LOVE Fan Awards nomination in 2014 for Best Group or Duo of the Year, Billboard’s 2012 Christian Songs Artist of the Year and Christian AC Songs Artist of the Year. Through their songs and their high energy live shows, Grammy-nominated Building 429 is a band that has been touted throughout their 18-year career as “authentic and amazing – uplifting and unforgettable,” along with being “truly focused on bringing glory to God.” Their album, Unashamed, was released in the fall of 2015, and their new album, titled Live the Journey, was released in September.
Annual car show to benefit local school
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The Sue Ford Memorial Car Show will take place for the ninth consecutive year on the Saturday of Harlan’s annual Poke Sallet Festival. The show, which routinely features around 60 cars from 11 different classes will be held in the courthouse square on Saturday, June 8. Registration for the event will begin at 10 a.m. and the show will continue until 3 p.m. Awards are scheduled to be announced at 2:30 p.m. As in previous years, all proceeds from the Sue Ford Memorial Car Show will go directly to the Harlan County Christian School. Registration will be $15 and include entry and one meal ticket. Commemorative shirts will be sold, along with cold drinks. Admission to the show, however, is free to the public. In addition to many spectacular cars of various makes and models on display, attendees can also enjoy music, giveaways, and the company of other enthusiasts. The car show’s namesake, Sue Ford, was one of the founders of the Harlan County Christian School. The event was
begun to both honor her and benefit one of her many causes. Darian White, son of Ford, and one of the event coordinators, stated, “My mother gave 110 percent of herself to others. She was always doing something for someone and was passionate about Christian education for kids.” According to White, the annual car show would not be possible without the help of his family, who assists in the organizing and execution of the event, and various sponsors. “It takes a village,” he said. Everyone is encouraged to participate and/or attend. There is no admissions fee for the public and no stipulation on what kind of vehicle can be displayed. The goal of the event is to benefit a local school and honor a woman who, according to her son, “Loved church and loved kids.” “I want everyone to come, have a good time and show their support for something good in the county,” White said. For more information, visit www. pokesalletfestival.com.
POKE SALLET FESTIVAL
Harlan Enterprise
Pageant From page 9 and junior season, All Area 9 Team freshman, sophomore and junior season, two time state qualifier and offers from Asbury University to continue her career throughout college. Lucy has ran varsity for her track team freshman, sophomore and junior year, and currently holds her school’s record for the 800m dash. Her goals for her final track and cross country season are to obtain all of the distance school records at once. She has also been able to work for “Harlan’s hero,” Joyce Zheng, as a waitress during her free time. Lucy was a member of her school’s drama club for ninth and 10th grades, but has been an avid member of the drama community since elementary school. Her most fond experiences on the stage have been playing the roles of Della in “The Gift of the Magi,”Alice in “You Can’t Take it With You,” and May in “Higher Ground 4” and the “Higher Ground Mashup tour,” She has performed under the instruction of college and professional level directors and performed on many stages outside of the school’s auditorium. Upon graduation, Lucy plans on attending Asbury University with a major in communications and minor in theatrical drama in hopes of becoming a news reporter as a future career and pursue drama every chance she gets.
WHITNEY COUCH
Whitney Danielle Couch is representing Harlan High School. She is the granddaughter of Don and Melissa Couch, of Putney. Whitney is a recent graduate of Harlan High School. She was voted Most Likely to Succeed by her senior class. She was a member of the Academic Team, Honor Society and Beta Club. Whitney was a cheerleader as well as a member of the volleyball team. She was also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, president of the Health Occupations Students of America and numerous advanced placement courses. Whitney received second in Kentucky on her HOSA Healthcare issues exam. She also advanced to international competition on her home
health aide in which she will be attending Disney World at the end of June. Whitney has a love for ballet as well as dance. She has volunteered over 400 hours at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital in the emergency department as well as the rehabilitation activities department since December 2018. Whitney is a pound member of Totz Church of God. She has received numerous academic awards and scholarships Ann Vescio, Ed Miracle, University of the Cumberland’s Presidential Scholarship and Nolan Lodge Scholarship. Whitney’s plans are to attend University of the Cumberlands to become a physician assistant. In the fall, she will be a member of UC’s dance team. Upon completion at UC Whitney plans to attend medical school at the University of Kentucky in hopes of becoming a trauma surgeon.
WHITNEY HENSLEY
Whitney Hensley is representing Harlan County High School. She is the daughter of Kenny and Melissa Hensley, of Coldiron. Whitney is a recent graduate of Harlan County High School. While attending HCHS, she was very active in cheerleading as well as the dance team.While she was on the cheer team, she was an All-American nominee, has won several district and WYMT championships and placed second in the region. She was a member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America as a member their goal is to make a difference in their families, careers and communities by addressing important personal, work and societal issues through Family and Consumer Science Education. Whitney was a member of the Beta Club as well as the Art Club. She was a member of the Link Club as a leader that mentored freshman and helped them transition to high school and help facilitate freshman success. Whitney Volunteered numerous hours with the Angel Tree as well as With Love From Harlan. Whitney will be attending Choice MD Medical School in London, Kentucky majoring in medical assistance. After receiving her medical assistant degree she plans on furthering her education in the medical field.
KARLI MAGGARD
Karli Jo Maggard is representing Harlan County High School. She is the daughter of Jack and Bobbie Joe Maggard, of Coldiron. Karli is a recent graduate of Harlan County High School where she was voted Prettiest Eyes by her fellow classmates. Many of her leadership qualities have been attained by being a member Link Crew. Karli has also acquired many great attributes by being a member of Beta Club, and Health Occupations Students of America. Karli traveled to Louisville to compete in the job seeking skills portion in the 2019 Kentucky State HOSA Competition. Karli plans to spend a few more years in her hometown to obtain her associate’s degree in science at Southeast Community & Technical College. She will then further her education at the University of the Cumberlands to complete her career goal in becoming a teacher where She plans to impact the future of children in her hometown of Harlan.
ELAINA MCKNIGHT
Elaina Brooke McKnight is representing Harlan County High School. She is the daughter of Paul and Casey McKnight, of Cumberland. Elaina is an active member of Trinity Tabernacle Church. She is a recent graduate of Harlan County High School. Elaina was a member of the Beta Club, National Honors Society where she was recognized for excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership and character, Talent Search, Gifted and Talented in which Elaina showed high performance capability in numerous academic fields and the Link Crew. Elaina graduated with an Honors Diploma which are bestowed as recognition of outstanding academic achievements. She graduated with honors and 32 college credit hours. Elaina received several scholarships including Clarissa Brigmon, Kentucky Farm Bureau, University of the Cumberlands Presidential Scholarship and the Cumberland Valley RECC. She enjoyed volunteering in her community with wrapping gifts for the Mountain Santa the Empty Stocking Fund as well as donating clothing and food to Christ’s Hands along with her
Saturday, June 1, 2019 11 school’s resource center. Elaina will be attending the University of the Cumberlands to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. She then plans to further her education to receive a doctorate degree in physical therapy. Elaina plans to return to Harlan County and work as a physical therapist to help the people of her hometown.
EMERSYN NOAH
Emersyn Leigh Noah is representing Harlan High School. She is the daughter of Dondi and Stacy Noah, of Baxter. Emersyn is a 2019 graduate of Harlan High School. She attends Harlan Christian Church where she helps with supervision in the nursery and is an active member of the youth group. As a student athlete at Harlan High School, Emersyn was a member of the cheerleading squad, Beta Club, Gifted and Talented General Intellect and Leadership, FBLA, journalism staff and Musettes where she served as vice president her senior year. She was voted Miss Harlan High School by the HHS student body, Best Dressed by her senior class and was also crowned HHS football homecoming queen. Teachers of Harlan High School selected Emersyn as the Kentucky Mountain Laurel princess candidate, DAR representative and Student of the Month. Other honors include being selected to participate in the prestigious Roger’s Scholar Program, Boys and Girls Club Student Ambassador, and 4-H Teen Club Student Representative. She has volunteered her time to support Harlan County’s Stroke Awareness Walk and Relay for Life. She has served as a song leader at Vacation Bible School for several years and is especially proud of the beautification service project she completed for the Harlan County Coal Mining Memorial. Her hobbies include attending Stacey Madon’s Dance Fitness class, singing and doing special event makeup for others. She enjoys tennis, and especially enjoys her summer pool time. Her plans are to attend Eastern Kentucky University in the fall and pursue a degree in nursing. Emersyn’s plans are to be a nurse in a rehabilitation setting.
Harlan Enterprise
POKE SALLET FESTIVAL
12 Saturday, June 1, 2019
KidBuck$ Game Show comes to the Poke Sallet Festival The Poke Sallet Festival Steering Committee announced that Kidbuck$ Game Show is coming to the 64th annual Poke Sallet Festival. The show will be located at Huff Park. This show heaps up a laugh a minute and keeps the large crowds it attracts pumped up and participating. Young or old, everyone loves the show! An ever-changing cast of randomly selected contests keeps the show new and exciting. The kids are the stars of this show! This is the show that people will talk about and come back to see time and time again! The show will take place on Thursday at 6 and 8 p.m.; Friday at 4, 6 and 8 p.m.; and Saturday at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.. The show will be located on the baseball field at Huff Park next to the inflatables. A thrilling game show in which randomly selected members of the audience, participate in wild and crazy games, the final winner enters the Kidbuck$ chamber and grabs as many “Kidbucks” swirling around as possible.
Catch the fun, excitement and prizes! If you would like to be a contestant on the show, you must arrive five to 10 minutes prior to show time and be between the ages of 3 and 15 years old to be eligible! You could be the big winner! HOW THE GAME IS PLAYED Nine contestants between the ages of three and fifteen are chosen from the audience by a raffle system. The contestants are divided into three groups based on their size and physical ability. Each group of three contestants plays wild and crazy games to determine a winner. The winner of each moves into the winners’ circle to await the final round and the runners-up all receive a prize. When all three semi finalists have been determined, the final round is played. In this round the semifinalists “spin to win” on the winners wheel. Age and size give no one an advantage. Only lady luck knows who will win this round! The one who spins the highest number is the grand champion and enters the
Run for the Hills 5K
money chamber where they have 30 seconds to grab as many Kidbuck$ as they can as they swirl about the chamber. The Kidbuck$ are redeemed for prizes based on the number of bucks collected. Additionally at the end of the show,
one more ball from the raffle machine is drawn and the person that is holding that ticket wins a prize as well. For more information on the Poke Sallet Festival visit www.pokesalletfestival.com.
The next Voice of Poke is… The Voice of Poke semifinals will take place on Thursday, June 6 at 4:40 p.m. on the main stage. There will be two segments and each musician will sing one song per segment. A drawing was held to determine the order of musicians: SEGMENT 1: 1. T.J. Hensley 2. Emily Witt 3. Kytalynn Brock 4. Crissy Burke
5. Lora Southard 6. Phoebe White 7. Jada Hoskins 8. Amber Witt 9. Sara Corman 10. Breonna Rhymer SEGMENT 2: 1. Lora Southard 2. T.J. Hensley 3. Kytalynn Brock 4. Amber Witt 5. Breonna Rhymer 6. Phoebe White 7. Emily Witt 8. Crissy Burke
9. Sara Corman 10. Jada Hoskins The Top 3 that advance to the finals will be announced on Friday, June 7 at 6:15 p.m. on the main stage. The finals will take place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. The winner of the competition on Saturday will take home $1,000, second place wins a $250 Jewelcraft gift certificate and third place wins $100.
A taste of poke sallet Photo by Chris Jones The annual Run for the Hills 5K will be held June 8 as part of the Poke Sallet Festival. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Harlan County Courthouse. Race starts at 9 a.m. The cost is $20 per runner. Contact any Rotary member for pre-registration or questions.
Find out what’s so special about a wild weed that thousands of people turn out to celebrate it each summer. You can enjoy poke sallet at Sports Cafe & Catering on Eversole Street or you can purchase a meal from a poke sallet vendor at the festival. The Poke Sallet Cook Off will be held on June 2 at the Harlan Center. Registration begins at 10 a.m. with judging at 11 a.m. Sampling of entries begins at noon.