Jacket Journal - Fall 2025

JACKET

JOURNAL Williamsburg Alumni Magazine

Fall 2025

INSIDE

Volume 1 | Issue 1 | Aug. 2025

About this issue: Cover photo: Carrie Mattingly Inside photos courtesy of: Carrie Mattingly Timothy Wyatt Jonathan Wyatt The News Journal

Copy Editer: Susanna Rice

40769

PHONE: (606) 549-6044 FAX: (606) 549-6015 WWW.WBURG.K12.KY.US

2 | Fall 2025

LETTERS TO ALUMNI

6

2025 WHS GRADS

12 WHS BASKETBALL Q&A 14 2025 HALL OF FAME

Design: Timothy Wyatt

1000 MAIN STREET WILLIAMSBURG, KY

4

STAY CONNECTED WITH US! FOLLOW WISD ON SOCIAL MEDIA! /WISDJACKETS /WILLIAMSBURGCITY

F

WI

LLIA M

S

UR

CI TY

B

O

This issue of the Jacket Journal was made possible by the following sponsors:

G

K

EN

TUCK

Pat White, Jr. Whitley County Judge Executive

Y

Williamsburg Alumni Magazine | 3

Dear Yellow Jacket Alumni, Welcome home!

It is with great pride and heartfelt joy that I welcome you back to Williamsburg for Alumni Weekend. Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, you are a part of a remarkable tradition—one defined by resilience, pride, and an unwavering commitment to our students and community.

As Superintendent of Williamsburg Independent Schools, I’m excited to share that the spirit that shaped your time as a Yellow Jacket is alive and well—and boldly evolving for the future. This year, we are proud to introduce our newly developed Portrait of a Jacket learner competencies, which will guide the work we do with every student in our district.

These six competencies define the characteristics we believe are essential for success not only in school, but in life. The following learner competencies will be our focus for everything we do this school year: Joyful Thinkers (Resilience and Hope) Accountable Teammates (Collaboration) Confident Communicators (Student Voice and Choice) Kind Citizens (Empathy and Caring) Engaged Learners (Active Listening and Participation) Trustworthy Leaders (Integrity)

4 | Letters to Alumni

These traits are more than just classroom goals—they are a reflection of the values that have long shaped Williamsburg graduates. They represent our shared hope: to develop lifelong learners who are prepared to make positive impacts on the world.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we carry with us the rich legacy of those who came before—your legacy. The traditions, lessons, and pride that you experienced here still echo through our halls and are woven into the work we do every day.

Thank you for being part of the Yellow Jacket family. We hope Alumni weekend fills you with memories, laughter, and pride in knowing that your alma mater is thriving, inspired, and boldly preparing the next generation to lead with joy, kindness, and purpose.

Welcome back—and Go Jackets!

Once a Jacket, Always a Jacket, Tabetha Housekeeper, Superintendent

Being a student at Williamsburg City School is truly a one-in-a-lifetime experience.

To be a Williamsburg Jacket and a member of the Jacket family is something that is much different to what other schools have. We love each other fully, we come to work together every single day, and wholeheartedly appreciate and support every single person that steps foot into Williamsburg City School.

Being a recent 2025 graduate, along with being the senior class president, I can fully say I understand what it means to be a Jacket. It was an honor to be a Williamsburg Jacket from the moment I started preschool and to my senior year.

Williamsburg will always be my home, and I will always remember that I am always welcome to the Jacket family.

- Kacy Jones, 2025 Class President

Williamsburg Alumni Magazine | 5

WHS

Class of 2025 Chelsea Adkins

Jaxon Atkins

Anna Bargo

Joseph Barton

Landon Blair

Herman Canada

Lakin Cunagin

Matthew Davis

Zoe Dibble

Jason Flannery

Nathan Goodin

Colten Group

Hunter Lemmings

Landon Lowrie

Jayden Matlock

Ashley Meadors

Emma Meadors

Savannah Miracle

Ethan Reed

Alexis Reynolds

Caleb Roaden

Conner Saylor

Casey Scalf

Dawson Stephens

Jacob Stephens

Gracie Strunk

6 | Fall 2025

Braiden Carr

Abbigayle Chinn

Lorelei Coleman

Matthew Cooper

Hannah Creekmore

Nicole Creekmore

Davian Hamlin

Damien Howard

Taylor Jackson

Cabela Johnson

Kacy Jones

Rebekah Kleinert

Kyli Monhollen

Adrien Parker

Kaydence Parker

Megan Partin

Hagen Prewitt

Amber Rains

Jaycek Scarborough

Braden Sizemore

Andrew Smith

Angel Stephens

“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”

— Theodore Roosevelt Payton Tye

Ethan West

Heidi Wiles

Williamsburg Alumni Magazine | 7

MAKING HISTORY Williamsburg High School FFA Chapter President Zaden Housekeeper earns his FFA Degree during the 96th Annual Kentucky State FFA Convention. Housekeeper’s achievement was made even more special as it was the first time that a student at Williamsburg Independent School has obtained an FFA Degree.

Williamsburg High School’s Marissa Meadors was among 25 Kentucky students to participate in the Entrepreneur Leadership Institute.

8 | Academics

Williamsburg Independent School launched the Jobs For America’s Graduates (JAG) Program to help create more career opportunities.

Williamsburg Independent School was recognized as a GreatSchools 2024 College Success Award winner. The award recognizes public high schools that have demonstrated exceptional work in preparing students for college and post-secondary success.

FUTURE LEADERS Williamsburg High School student Caleb Nichols was selected to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders’ three-day conference in Boston, MA over the summer.

Nichols was among 5,000 high school students that were invited to learn about the work of some of the world’s most prominent medical pioneers. Speakers included Nobel Prize winners and biomedical innovators.

Williamsburg Alumni Magazine | 9

Members of the Williamsburg High School Choir that were selected to participate in All-Festival Choir

Williamsburg High School band members were selected as part of an All-Regional Band performance at Eastern Kentucky University.

Williamsburg High School student Ace Black was named to the 2025 All-State TTBB (Tenor, Tenor, Bass, Bass) Choir.

Per annual tradition, the Williamsburg High School Choir and Band performed during Old Fashioned Trading Days in downtown Williamsburg.

10 | Arts

INTO THE WOODS The Williamsburg High School Musical Theatre group held their spring play back in May. The group performed a rendition of “Into the Woods,” which is based around the intertwining plots from various Brothers Grimm fairy tales, such as “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Rapunzal” and Cinderella.”

Williamsburg Alumni Magazine | 11

Q&A with

Brandon Bargo WHS Boys’ Basketball Coach

There will be a new face at the helm of Williamsburg High School’s boys’ basketball team this year following the resignation of Anthony Hibbard earlier this year.

Brandon Bargo, a Barbourville native, has since been tapped to fill that role this coming season.

Coming off the heels of a 17-9 season, Bargo is left with large shoes to fill in his first head coaching position. However, he is well-equipped to get what is expected to be a younger Yellow Jackets squad into competitive shape.

Bargo most-recently served as the varsity assistant coach at Barbourville High School for the past four seasons. Prior to that, he served in assistant coaching roles at Union Commonwealth University and Berea College, respectively. While in college, Bargo also acted as the student manager of the Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team from 2016 to 2020.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Bargo just prior to the start of the school year to discuss the coaching job with him in more detail, as well as his goals, expectations and other interests.

Q: So, lets start simple: Why basketball?

A: Basketball was always my passion. And then I figured out that I could help people through basketball and helping people has always been something that’s driven me. It’s kind of the best of both worlds.

Do you have any specific expectations for the coming year?

The number one goal I have is,

12 | Athletics

I want to establish a culture. But you have to establish a culture through doing the work. A lot of people can throw a slogan on a T-shirt and try to establish culture, and it might work for them in the short term, but long-term culture is developed in your habits and how you perform every day. So, if we can come in every single day and establish our culture by being a good person, being a teammate, leading by example, being the hardest working people every day, then your culture will establish itself.

I stole this from Pat Kelsey at Louisville, but he said his program was built off the ‘ABCs,’ which is academics, basketball, and character. I love that, so that will be kind of what I want to instill in my guys.

Do you have any lofty goals you would like to pursue this year?

I don’t want to put a cap on it, you know? Of course, I want to win a region championship. That would be my number one goal, but I also realize that you can’t show up day one and expect to win a region championship. You have to build towards that every single day.

Williamsburg completes a home-and-home this year with Barbourville. As a former Barbourville guy, is that a game you got circled on the calendar this

year or is there something else you’re looking forward to?

I think, honestly, the game I have circled right now is December 4, because that’s our first game. It’s kind of a game-bygame basis. But [the Barbourville game] will be a cool moment for me when I get there, but that’s kind of in the back of my mind right now.

Outside of basketball, what’s something that you have a heavy interest in?

I really enjoy podcasts.

Anything in particular?

Mostly sports podcasts. Bill Simons, I listen to him a lot. I also really like Kevin O’Connell.

Is there a particular reason you gravitate toward podcasts?

There was a point in time where I thought sports broadcasting was going to be my thing. I worked at a radio station in high school and hosted a football show called Friday Night Football Roundup.

I wanted to see how far I could go with it, but I didn’t really have any guidance. Once I got to college and started working with the men’s basketball team programs, I just kind of altered my path into coaching.

Story by Timothy Wyatt

WHS FOOTBALL 500 WINS The Williamsburg Yellow Jackets claimed the program’s 500th win last October during a 48-0 rout of the Lynn Camp Wildcats. The win also marked a milestone for Coach Jerry Herron, who celebrated his 150th career victory.

The Williamsburg Elementary School swimming team was formed in March and began competing in April.

Williamsburg High School Track and Field had a presence at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Portland, Oregon last summer.

Williamsburg Alumni Magazine | 13

2025

Hall of Fame Bob Bryant Class of 1985

Bob Bryant, Salutatorian of the WHS Class of 1985, excelled both in the classroom and on the field—most memorably pitching a nine-inning no-hitter his senior year.

He earned a Presidential Scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University, where he majored in accounting and served as Treasurer of Beta Theta Pi. After becoming a licensed CPA, Bob quickly rose in the financial world, founding Town and Country Bank and later serving as president of First State Financial.

His civic leadership included

time as president of the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and helping bring professional baseball to Lexington by financing the Lexington Legends’ field.

Following a move to Florida, Bob co-founded Boatman & Bryant, a tax firm now serving over 3,500 clients across five offices, including 500 professional wrestlers.

In 2023, he rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange as a registered agent with Fidelity Investments.

A generous supporter of Williamsburg High School, Bob contributed $10,000 toward the renovation of the football weight room and has supported many in the

Joy Hamilton Marini Class of 1979

Joy Hamilton Marini, a native of Whitley County and graduate of Williamsburg High School, grew up in the close-knit Appalachian community of Williamsburg.

Her upbringing instilled in her a deep commitment to compassion, equity, and service—values that shaped her lifelong dedication to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations worldwide. Marini earned a B.S. in Animal Science and Agriculture from Western Kentucky University, an M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and an MBA in International Marketing

14 | Hall of Fame

WHS family. He and his wife of 33 years, Kelli Cooper Bryant, have three children: Cecelia, Amelia, and Kade.

from Rider University.

Her more than two-decade career at Johnson & Johnson included leadership roles in corporate philanthropy and global public health. Beginning in the Pediatric Institute, she became director of corporate contributions in 2007, and later served as global director of women’s health within the office of the chief medical officer. In these roles, she spearheaded worldwide initiatives to reduce maternal and infant mortality, empower midwives, and advance gender equity—partnering with governments, UN agencies such as UNICEF, and organizations including Save the Children and the International Pediatric Association. Her contributions have been recognized with

induction into both the Hall of Distinguished Alumni of the Rutgers Physician Assistant Program and the Western Kentucky University Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2024.

Jo Florence Cordell Class of 1954

Jo Florence Cordell dedicated 27 years of service to Williamsburg High School, shaping generations of students as both an English teacher and guidance counselor.

She spent 14 years in the classroom teaching English, psychology, and sociology—also serving as yearbook sponsor—before moving into the guidance office for 13 years, where she helped students plan their futures, navigate challenges and believe in their potential.

A graduate of Cumberland College with a Bachelor of Arts and teacher certification, Mrs. Cordell went on to earn her Master of Arts in counselor certification from Eastern Kentucky University and an education specialist degree from Union College. She also taught

Charles Jones Class of 1963

Charles Jones, WHS Class of 1963, was a standout athlete whose passion for baseball took him from the fields of Williamsburg to the professional ranks.

Shortly after graduation, he was signed by the Chicago White Sox organization in 1964 and played two seasons with their Single-A affiliate, the Sarasota Sun Sox. Known for his work ethic and powerful arm, Charles was on a promising path in professional baseball before being drafted into the Vietnam War—where his service to his country ultimately brought his athletic career to a

graduate-level courses at EKU, sharing her expertise with aspiring educators.

Her professional leadership included serving as president of the Upper Cumberland Delta Kappa Gamma Lambda Chapter and active membership in the Kentucky Association of School Counselors, which named her Counselor of the Year in 1992.

Her service extended far beyond the school, as she served as a trustee at Cumberland College, was on the Kentucky Baptist Executive Board, the Whitley County Library Board, and a deacon at First Baptist Church of Williamsburg.

Known for her high standards, compassion,and unwavering support, Mrs. Cordell inspired her students not only to excel academically but to see themselves as capable of achieving their dreams.

close.

Returning home with quiet pride, Charles continued to pour his energy into the game by coaching in the Williamsburg Little League for five years. More than just a coach, he became a mentor to dozens of young players—instilling in them not just skills on the field, but lessons in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. His influence extended beyond the diamond, and many credit him as a defining presence in their formative years.

Though his time in professional sports was brief, Charles Jones’s legacy lives on in the players he guided and the lives he touched in his hometown. His story is one

As she celebrates her 90th year, she remains a beloved figure in the Williamsburg community as a dedicated educator, mentor, and friend whose impact will endure for generations.

of talent, sacrifice, and enduring impact.

Williamsburg Alumni Magazine | 15

Wayne Bargo Years of Service - Non-Alumni

Since 1987, Wayne Bargo has been a steadfast presence in Williamsburg High School athletics, serving as team manager for the football and basketball programs for more than 37 years.

Though not a WHS graduate, his dedication to the school, its student-athletes and its traditions has made him an irreplaceable part of its athletic legacy.

Known as the first to arrive and the last to leave, Mr. Bargo has managed logistics, equipment and day-to-day operations for countless practices, games and tournaments—rain or shine, home or away.

His behind-the-scenes work

has ensured smooth seasons for generations of players and coaches, while his humility, kindness, and steady encouragement have made him a trusted mentor and friend.

His influence extends beyond the sidelines. Coaches and athletes alike have called him the “unsung hero” of the athletic department, a role model whose quiet leadership and dedication have inspired those around him.

Many of the hundreds of student-athletes he has supported have gone on to success in collegiate sports, coaching careers and professional fields, often carrying with them lessons learned from his example.

In recognition of his decades of service, Mr. Bargo was inducted into the 13th Region Sports

Hall of Fame in 2024.

His presence is woven into the very fabric of Williamsburg’s sports history, and his commitment to excellence and community stands as a model of loyalty and service.

1995 Fastpitch Softball Team In 1995, Williamsburg High School stepped into uncharted territory by fielding its first-ever fastpitch softball team. With no prior program, no seasoned playbook and few players with fastpitch experience, Coaches Stan West and Jim Ed Miller led a young, determined group of athletes into a season that would make school history.

The challenges were immediate and constant—learning the pace and style of a new game, adapting skills on the fly and building team chemistry from scratch. Yet, through determination, hard work and an unshakable belief in one another, the team quickly found its stride.

Defying the odds, this inaugural

16 | Hall of Fame

squad not only achieved a winning season but captured the first district championship in Williamsburg fastpitch softball history. That victory represented more than a trophy, it marked the birth of a program, set a new standard for girls’ athletics at WHS and inspired future generations of players.

The 1995 fastpitch softball

team’s pioneering spirit, resilience and trailblazing success laid the foundation for years of competitive softball in Williamsburg.

Their accomplishment remains a milestone in school history, and their legacy continues to influence players, coaches and the community today.

WHS Hall of Fame Bill Allison Doris Allison Joe Alsip Flossie Angel Barry Arnett Nola “Tudy” Ball Sam Ballou Wayne Bargo Bertrum Barker Don Barton Olan J. Barton Beth Bates Hunter Bates H. Dale Blythe Gladys Bordes Kevin Bowen Phil Brennenstuhl Thelma Cole Brown William Bryant Bob Bryant Edwin Bunch Jim Campbell Mike Campbell Jerry L. Connell Lewis Cornelius Arthur Criscillis Jerry W. Croley Randell Croley Jean Cordell Davis Jo Florence Cordell Kenneth Davis Mark Davis Glenn Denham Ralph Denham Joe Early Virginia V. Early Gregory Scott Faulkner J. Donald Faulkner Ed Fish Jack V. Foley William Galbreath Carlos Glover James Greenlee

Gwen Renfro Goode John F. Harris Roddy Harrison Nannie L. Hays Thomas E. Hays John B. Hill David Hubbard John Jeffries Merry Jeffries J. Wesley Johnson Charles Jones Marie Jones Pleas Jones Orville Jones Christian Key Alan LeForce George LeForce Bernice Adkins Lenz James Levin Stan Lovitt Rugina Lunce Eddie Manning Joy Hamilton Marini Karen Cotton McDaniel Bill Miller Jack Miller James P. Moss William Edward Moss J. B. Mountjoy Marcella Mountjoy Michael Mountjoy Bill Nighbert Ed Nighbert Elvin Elmer Patrick J. Hunt Perkins Scotty Perkins Dallas Petrey Archie Powers Elmer Prewitt Will Prewitt Darrell Rains Donnie Rains E. Paul Rains

R. Paul Rains John E. Renfro Jack H. Riley William Riley Billy Rose Bob Rose Joanne Sexton Jeanne E. Shaffer Alvin Sharpe Kenneth Shaw Anna Renfro Shelley Eugene Siler II Nadine Maiden Siler Kathleen M. Sinkhorn Irene Turner Slatter James Smiddy Gary Stanfill Mary Ann Stanfill Herbert B. Steely Don Stephens Edna Moore Stewart Mary Wood Stewart R. Blaine Stewart Jerry Watson Stanley Reid West Fred White Jess White Willard White Virginia Young 1946 Football Team 1958 Football Team 1963 WHS Band 1964 Football Team 1981 Football Team 1973 State Champion Track Team 1975 Girls Track 1984-85 Cheerleading Squad 1987 Boys Basketball Team 1994 Football Team 1995 Fast Pitch Softball Team 2004 Football Team Williamsburg Alumni Magazine | 17

WHS Alma Mater Word: Hilda Mahan Music: William Allison Alma Mater of our High School days, be mindful of our song of praise.

With true and loyal voices raise to Orange and White.

We’ll cherish long thy memory, a love we’ll ever have for thee.

Thy name extol were e’re we be, dear Orange and White.

Stand up & Cheer WHS FIGHT SONG

Stand up and cheer, Stand up and cheer for our dear High School.

For today we rate, the Orange and White above the rest!

RAH! RAH! RAH! Our boys are fighting, and we are sure to win this game.

We’ve got the team, RAH! RAH! That’s got the steam, RAH! RAH! For this dear old Williamsburg game.

18 | Alma Mater

Aerial photo of the old Williamsburg Independent School building located on what is now the University of the Cumberlands’ campus. The building is now used for the university’s education coursework.

Aerial photo of the the current Williamsburg Independent School building, which also shows the new football complex in the background behind the school. That space was recently renovated with a number of modern amenities.

Williamsburg Alumni Magazine | 19

ALUMNI

giving Support Williamsburg Alumni Association (For Alumni Communication and Socials) For more information contact: Jonathan Wyatt - (606) 280-0872 Nikki Corder - (606) 549-0530

Not yet signed up?

Scan this QR code to register as an alumni today!

Checks can be mailed to: Williamsburg Alumni P.O. Box 2 Williamsburg, KY 40769

Support Williamsburg Alumni Endowment (For Student Scholarships)

Roy Buhl Endowment (For Education Initiatives)

PayPal: @WhsAlum Endow Venmo: @endow-whs

Checks can be mailed to: Williamsburg City School C/O Dalton Sizemore 1000 Main Street Williamsburg, KY 40769

NOTE: Please place your CLASS YEAR in the “What’s it for?” section.

Checks can be mailed to: Williamsburg Alumni P.O. Box 2 Williamsburg, KY 40769

Memo Line: Roy Buhl Endowment