The office of Congressman “Hal” Rogers of the Fifth Congressional District called today to notify Knott County Central High School visual art teacher, Carolyn Gibson that her junior advanced art student Jeffery Couch had placed 1^stin the 2012 Congressional Art Competition. He did a colored pencil drawing of his sister Tara reading a book.  The artwork is titled ‘Entranced”. Last year he placed third in this competition. Jeffery is the son of Robin and Jeffery Couch of Kite, Kentucky.

Thousands of high school students from across the nation participated in the annual Congressional Art Competition. One winner from each Congressional District has been chosen to have his artwork displayed at the Capitol for one year, where more than three million visitors pass through every year.

"The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity to display the talent in southern and eastern Kentucky on a national stage," said Rogers. "Our region of the country is known for incredible artistry and I enjoy seeing a piece of home hanging in the hallway of the Capitol, representing our small part of the nation."

The Congressman has scheduled a photo shoot with Jeffery in the next few weeks.

On Sunday, April 22, the award ceremony for the 2012 Kentucky Art Education Association’s All-State Art Show was held at 2 P.M. at Dixie Heights High School in Erlanger, Kentucky. Two Knott County Central High School visual art students were extremely honored for their art to win 1^stPlace in the annual state competition. Jeffery Couch, a junior in Art IV, won 1^stPlace in Painting for “Inspired: A Self-Portrait”, which was done in oil. Holly Thompson, a senior in Art IV, won 1^stPlace in Ceramics with “Animoso”. In addition, Holly also won a 3^rdPlace in Jewelry and Metalsmithing for “Hellenic Spiral”. Besides ribbons, each student was given $75 in prize money for 1^stPlace ($25 for 3^rdPlace) a sketchbook, and award certificate. Another ceramic “Ravaged” by senior Aaron Jacob Crouch was on display in the competition.  This was the first time for all these students to compete in the state event. 

Earlier this year Jeffery and Holly also won 1^stPlace in a state high school exhibit at the KyAEA Fall Conference. Jeffery won overall in 2-D media and Holly overall in 3-D media. Jeffery is the son of Robin and Jeffery Couch of Kite, Kentucky and plans to attend Murray State University. Holly is the daughter of Gina and Neal Thompson of Lackey, Kentucky and plans to attend Berea College. Jacob is the son of Martha and Donnie Crouch of Lackey, Kentucky and plans to attend the University of Kentucky. 

Awards were presented by Northern Kentucky University art teacher Lisa Jameson and state exhibit coordinator Terri Schatzman in the library. In addition, refreshments were served. Several people from Knott County attended this special event. KCC art teacher and NAHS sponsor Carolyn Gibson was there along with KCC NAHS co-sponsor Glen Hale. Students
in advanced art attending included: Holly Thompson, Jeffery Couch, Jacob Crouch, Kristin Howell, and Dustin Conley. Also, in attendance supporting the arts were Martha and Donnie Crouch, Georgienna Howell, Darrell Boffo, and Brock Hall. In addition, Ms. Gibson’s aunt Inis Thacker and her friend Helen Currie from Florence, Kentucky were present for the award ceremony.

Concerning these students, Ms. Gibson says, “I thank God that I have been allowed to work with them. They are so very talented. In fact, I believe they are some of the best young artists that I have ever had the privilege to teach. They listen so well and have the intelligence, talent, creativity, skills perseverance, and determination to give that something extra that makes their work extraordinary.”

Congratulations to the KCCHS Art Department on this huge honor.

The faculty and staff of Knott County Central would like to congratulate four of its freshmen for being selected for The Robinson Scholars Leadership Pool Program, a very competitive and selective educational program. To be considered for inclusion into the leadership pool, students must be enrolled in a pre-college curriculum, maintain high academic achievement, be a first generation college bound student, and participate in community service and extracurricular activities. During the next four years, our students will be eligible to participate in enrichment activities that emphasize academic preparation for college and that develop students’ social, career, and leadership skills. In addition, students selected for the leadership pool, will be eligible to receive the Robinson Scholarship, a 4-year scholarship to the University of Kentucky. Only students that are selected as part of the leadership pool and that remain active through their junior year of high school will be eligible for consideration of the Robinson Scholarship. Congratulations for this great achievement! We are very proud of you! Our Robinson Scholars Leaders are: Simon Christon, Monica Hall, Heather Slone, and Pauline Thornsberry.

Knott County Central High School
76 Patriot Lane
Hindman, KY 41822
School Phone: 606-785-3166
Fax: 606-785-3169

KCC has been very blessed to have placed in the 2012 KY All-State Art Exhibition as follows:
Holly Thompson (senior)-1st in Ceramics and 3rd in Jewelry and Jeffery Couch (junior)-1st in Painting.  They are very talented young artists and worked extremely hard to achieve this honor.