10 Russell County High School students set to travel to Oregon to compete in national Educators Rising competition

June 18, 2026 Zac Oakes WJRS News

10 Russell County High School students are set to travel to Portland, Oregon tomorrow to compete in the National Educators Rising Competitions.

Students traveling to compete are Arielle Burton, Silvia Martinez, Emma Wilson, Avery Larison, Ella Larison, Marlee McGowan, Saturn Walsh, Diego Gomez, and Shelby Curtis.

Three other students qualified to compete in Nationals, but will not be traveling to Portland. Those students are Jasmine Rowe, Christian McQueary, and Anna Gosser.

The Educators Rising National Conference runs from Saturday to Tuesday.

About Zac Oakes 9799 Articles

Zac Oakes is the News and Sports Director for LakerCountry.com and Laker Country WJRS 104.9 FM.

Community Conversation 8-5
Jeff Hoover is joined by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rocky Adkins to discuss his campaign for Kentucky governor. Adkins reflects on his decades of public service, outlines his vision for the state's future, and shares his priorities for economic development, education, healthcare, and working across party lines. He also talks about how his and his wife's experiences as cancer survivors have shaped his perspective on leadership and public service.
Community Conversation 8-4
Russell County Judge-Executive Randy Marcum provides an update on county government, including the new fiscal year budget, the upcoming property tax rate process, and more than $1 million in planned road improvement projects. He also discusses the community commodities program, construction progress on the new Russell County Hospital and Extension Office, the opening of Air Methods at the Russell County Airport, and other developments aimed at improving services and supporting future growth across the county.
Community Conversation 8-3
Jeff Hoover is joined by marriage and family therapist Joy Jones to discuss an upcoming community seminar focused on human trafficking awareness. Jones shares her experience working with survivors, explains common warning signs of exploitation, and talks about how parents, educators, churches, and community members can help protect vulnerable individuals through education and awareness.
Community Conversation 7-31
Jeff Hoover talks with Dr. Emiley Button, Director of Nursing at Lindsey Wilson University, about the school's new fully online RN to BSN program. They discuss how the program helps working nurses earn their bachelor's degree, partnerships with area hospitals and Somerset Community College, tuition assistance opportunities, and the growing demand for nurses across Kentucky.
Community Conversation 7-30
Jeff Hoover talks with Gordon Lester of the Russell County Family Resource and Youth Services Center about the annual Back to School Bash at the Russell County Fairgrounds. They discuss free backpacks, school supplies, food, and community support available to Russell County students, along with the year-round work Family Resource Centers do to help local children and families succeed in school.