School Board Honors Two FFA State Champions

August 17, 2026 WJRS Staff WJRS News

Congratulations to RCHS senior FFA member Piper Garmon and RCHS alumna Kendall Melton! 🎉

Both were recognized as State Champions in Public Speaking during Monday evening’s Russell County Board of Education meeting. Superintendent Michael Ford presented each with a certificate of recognition for their outstanding achievements.

Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor Bethany Garmon said this was a “phenomenal feat” for both young ladies as they surpassed 12 others from the Lake Cumberland area chapter then bested 23 others in the state competition.

Kendall Melton is starting college soon. Piper Garmon is a senior at RCHS and President of the local Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter.

Community Conversation 8-17
Jeff Hoover talks with Russell County Schools Director of Security Jackie Grider about school safety, the role of school resource officers, summer training, and the importance of building trust with students, parents, and the community. Grider also shares his personal commitment to helping students make positive choices and succeed.
Community Conversation 8-12
Superintendent Michael Ford joins Jeff Hoover to discuss the start of the new school year, the latest progress on the new middle school, the completed Laker Band practice area, school facility priorities, teacher recruitment, and the need for substitute teachers across the district.
Community Conversation 8-10
Jeff Hoover talks with Kristina Burton of the Russell County Public Library about the upcoming grand opening of The Green, including the new Bank of Jamestown Pavilion, community events, and opportunities for families. They also discuss the library’s returning homework help program, teen advisory board, book clubs, and other ways the library is serving the Russell County community.
Community Conversation 8-6
Russell Springs City Park Director Daniel Buster joins Jeff Hoover to discuss the latest improvements at the park, including construction on the new golf course and turf ballfield projects. He also shares details about the city's free Back to School Bash, featuring inflatables, games, free food, swimming, and family fun before students head back to class.
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.