2018 inductees in the Todd County High Schools’ Hall of Fame were announced this week by the hall of fame, said Fred Harper, chairman of the committee. They are Robert Nelson “Bob” Bush, William “Bill” Longhurst Jr., Stanley Gail Russell, and Angela Payne Starnes.
Harper said, the names were chosen by an anonymous selection committee. The nominations were solicited publicly this year and last year.
The recipients or their families will receive the awards at an event early next year.
Individuals who were nominated but not selected this year will remain eligible indefinitely for selection. Anyone can nominate a person for the hall of fame by getting a nomination form from the Todd County Board of Education or emailing Fred Harper at [email protected]
2018 inductees are:
Robert Nelson Bush
Mr. Bush earned his A.B. degree at Kentucky Wesleyan College, his M.A. at the University of Kentucky and Rank 1 from Western Kentucky University. He began his distinguished educational career in Todd County Schools in 1951 as an English teacher, later as principal of Elkton High School, the first principal of Todd County Central High School and eventually Superintendent of Todd County Schools until retirement in 1980. In 1963 he opened the doors of TCCHS and welcomed all students including, 82 African American students who were bussed from Todd Training School. Mr. Bush served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Flight Radio Operator during WWII in North Africa. He served as a member of the Pritchard Committee for Academic Excellence, was a member of the Vesper Lodge, Elkton Rotary Club, and Petrie Memorial United Methodist Church.
William Longhurst Jr.
Mr. Longhurst graduated from Guthrie High School in 1956. He obtained a degree in Education from Austin Peay State University. Upon returning to Guthrie High School he began teaching science and coaching basketball. He would later leave the teaching profession to help in the family business, Longhurst General Store, an iconic piece of Guthrie Main Street. His love of coaching continued though Little League Baseball in the surrounding community. He was a member of Guthrie’s Baptist Church, Volunteer Fire Department, City Council, and Senior Citizens Center, as well as President of both Guthrie Planning and Zoning Commission and Guthrie Main Street.
Stanley Gail Russell
Mr. Russell was a member of the first graduating class of Todd County Central High School in 1964. Before TCCHS, Stanley attended Todd County Training High School. He furthered his education at Western Kentucky University. Mr. Russell took pride in his civic, community, and business relationships. He helped form the Diversity Council, served as PTO President, TCMS Site Base Council member, Todd County Undoing Racism Team and Chairman of the Todd County Housing Authority. As a member of the Todd County Laity and Ministerial Alliance he helped in the planning of the Annual Community Martin Luther King Celebration. Upon his death The House of Representative of the Commonwealth of Kentucky issued a memoriam paying tribute to his service within the state of Kentucky and the Todd County community.
Angela Payne Starnes
Mrs. Payne-Starnes was a 1980 graduate of Todd County Central High School. A stellar track athlete at TCCHS, won 7 state titles for the Lady Rebels, set the 1A state record of :12.20 in the 100-meter dash in 1980 state meet—a mark which still stands today. As a sophomore in 1978, won the 440-yard dash, anchored the winning 4x100 relay team. As a junior, won the first of 2 consecutive state titles in the 400-meter dash and added another victory in the 4x100 relay. As a senior, swept the 400, 200 and 100-meter sprints as TCCHS repeated 1A state runner-up. For outstanding track achievements, was awarded a track scholarship to Murray state, where she helped the women’s outdoor track team win the OVC championship in 1981 and 82. In 1983 set the Murray state women’s indoor record in the 55-meter dash. She earned both B.S. and M.A.E. degrees from Murray State University. After 27 years of teaching elementary P.E., coaching track & field, cross country, and servicing as AD of Crittenden County she was inducted into the Marion-Crittenden County Athletic Hall of Fame. She was recognized for outstanding achievements and induction into Dewahares/Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.