North Hardin High School hosted Academic Signing Day Friday, an opportunity to celebrate with seniors that have committed to a post-secondary education institution, the workforce, or the military. The event also gave Elizabethtown Community and Technical College the chance to present North Hardin High School College Coach Annette Neblett with their 2024 High School Teacher/Counselor Pathfinder Award.
ECTC says each KCTCS institution selects a recipient each year. The award is presented to a faculty or staff member that encourages students to attend a KCTCS college, assists students in identifying career and postsecondary paths, provides mentorship, and maintains contact with students.
ECTC President and CEO Dr. Juston Pate said he appreciates Neblett connecting students to the college, but her work ultimately benefits everybody.
“Her willingness to spend her time investing in these kids is really an investment in all of our futures, but to have the ability to work alongside someone like Annette for our college, for North Hardin High School, it’s really special to see these people doing this work and to be a part of it,” Pate said.
Neblett said the award was nice, but seeing her students celebrating their futures was the real prize.
“It makes my heart feel so great because it’s getting better,” Neblett said. “The kids are starting to listen more and they’re starting to really pay attention to what I’m saying, so I really appreciate all of them coming out today and just enjoying themselves, and this is all about them. It’s not about me. It’s all about them.”
ECTC says nearly 320 Pathfinder nominations were received statewide.
