Hardin County Schools Honors Five 2026 Distinguished Alumni

Hardin County Schools

Hardin County Schools honored five graduates as its 2026 Distinguished Alumni at a luncheon Sept. 25 at the district’s Early College and Career Center, the district said.

The honorees include three Central Hardin graduates — Sara Jo Best, Detective William Smallwood and Dr. Jesse Vance — and two North Hardin graduates, Joi’ Craig and Aaron Dale.

According to Hardin County Schools, Best is the public health director for the Lincoln Trail District Health Department. Craig serves as director of student life at Simmons College of Kentucky. Dale works as a music educator, arranger, clinician and coach. Smallwood is a detective with the Louisville Metro Police Department. Vance is the medical director of infectious disease and vice chair of medicine at UK St. Claire Hospital.

Vance was unable to attend the luncheon and was represented at the event by Rev. Mike Bell, the district said.

Hardin County Schools organized the event to recognize the professional and community accomplishments of its graduates. The district provided the list of honorees and the role descriptions.