Lauren Hines is a standout in many ways as a senior at LCHS. She is gifted in academics and extracurriculars while being an air personality for WRUS. She shows in this article she is a talented writer, too.
Logan County High School has demonstrated incredible resilience as the state of education recuperates from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The students and staff continue to make strides in academics, athletics, and the arts—all while embodying the spirit of the Cougar.
Last year, many of the school’s athletic programs were unable to participate in full seasons due to pandemic restrictions. Many teams returned for the 2021-22 season with relatively young teams, each of whom made a bold name for themselves in their region. The Cougar Football team advanced to the KHSAA State Semifinals for the first time in school history, securing a district and regional championship along the way. Several football players found their names on All Sky Conference Team rosters: Wyatt Blake, Isaac Poe, Mattia Giubilato, Ryan Rayno, and Davin Yates.
Girls’ soccer remained at the top of their district, with two standout players smashing school records. Senior Forward Kadyn Costello scored a record 37 goals in the 2021 season—the most any Cougar has scored in a single soccer season in school history—while simultaneously setting the new record for most career goals at 104. Senior Goalkeeper Brady Alsup achieved a record 11 shutout games in a single season.
Many athletes are also beginning to solidify their futures in their endeavors, such as senior Grayce Mefford, who recently committed to play softball at Wabash Valley Junior College.
These incredible accomplishments in our athletics department derive from not only the passion of our players, but also the dedication of the coaching staff that ensures opportunity and growth in every sport.
Just as important as athletics is the arts. David Dayton and the Logan County Cougar Band have been working hard since mid-July, accumulating several Reserved Grand Champion trophies and class awards during their 2021 marching season. Coming out of marching season, the band performed their annual Christmas concert at SKyPAC while also sending 13 students to participate in the KMEA Third District All-District Band.
Justin Kirby and the LCHS Theater Department had an outstanding debut for their production of “Elf Jr.,” which opened on Dec. 9. Logan County consistently provides opportunities for students to explore their passions in the arts, allowing them to create to their fullest potential and share their talents with the community.
Of course, neither the arts nor athletics would be fulfilled without Logan County’s academic excellence. In the first quarter alone, 370 of the high school’s 954 students made the honor roll by receiving A’s and B’s in all of their courses, while 170 students made the Principal’s List and 72 had perfect attendance. Additionally, several students have attained “benchmark” scores on their ACT due to their hard work alongside the strategies and tutoring provided by our staff.
In addition to academics, students participate in on-site clubs and organizations to develop their leadership, teamwork, and other career-oriented skills. We have several successful competing organizations such as the JROTC Raiders, who were ranked seventh in the nation at their recent competition in Georgia. Students are taking advantage of the many opportunities available at LCHS to prepare for life beyond high school.
Preparing for the future is the top priority for staff and students. Many students have accumulated college credit, with 450 enrolled at various schools across the state of Kentucky. Others participate in the district’s co-op program, where students are able to get hands-on experience in their desired career fields. For the first time, the Class of 2022 will be completing Graduation Portfolios and Defenses—a program that allows students to explore careers, build resumes, and reflect on successes from their four years of high school. Each strategy implemented in the school’s curriculum is designed to help students take their next step in life—whether it be the military, workforce, or secondary education.
Everything we do at Logan County High School revolves around our four principles: Learning, Challenging, Honoring, and Succeeding. Embodying the spirit of the Cougar relies on these principles, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in a safe, supportive environment. After two long years of abnormal circumstances, it is no surprise that LCHS has been able to face such adversity with success.
If this fall of 2021 is any indication of what Logan County High School can accomplish, the remainder of this school year will be exceptional in any and all endeavors.