Laurel County Public Schools

Laurel County Public Schools is pleased to announce Caryn Smith as the new Principal at Hunter Hills Elementary. A familiar face to the Hunter Hills Elementary school family, Mrs. Smith brings nearly 23 years of dedicated educational experience to the role, including 16 years at Hunter Hills Elementary.

Mrs. Smith began her career as an elementary classroom teacher before transitioning into leadership and instructional support roles as a Curriculum Coach and, most recently, as the Assistant Principal at Hunter Hills.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the students, staff, and families of Hunter Hills Elementary as principal,” said Mrs. Smith. “Hunter Hills is a special place because of the people who make it feel like family, and I am honored to continue this work alongside them. Together, we will build on the strong foundation already in place, always keeping students at the center of our work and striving for excellence in all we do.”

Mrs. Smith’s academic and professional credentials reflect a lifelong commitment to learning and instructional leadership. She completed her undergraduate studies at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and holds master’s degrees from Union College and Asbury University. She is currently pursuing an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. Mrs. Smith’s additional qualifications include certifications as an Instructional Leader, Supervisor of Instruction, Literacy Specialist, Elementary Education Program Consultant, and Director of Pupil Personnel.

When she is not at school, Mrs. Smith treasures spending quality time with her family. She is an avid lover of the outdoors and particularly enjoys traveling, relaxing, and finding any opportunity to be near the water.

Investing in Our Kids—Even During Summer Break!

While our hallways are quiet for the summer, our Laurel County team is hard at work preparing for an incredible upcoming school year! Last week, many of our dedicated teachers, principals, and district administrators attended the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference.

What is the Jostens Renaissance Conference?
It is a massive, high-energy national gathering focused entirely on school culture and climate. The goal is simple but powerful: finding proven, creative ways to make sure our schools are places where every single student thrives, feels valued, and is motivated to achieve their best.

Our team spent their days in workshops, breakout sessions, and collaboration groups learning how to:
• Boost student motivation and academic engagement
• Celebrate the unique growth and achievements of every child
• Create an even more positive, welcoming, and joyful school environment

Our educators are sacrificing part of their summer break because they are deeply committed to doing what’s best for Laurel County kids. We can’t wait to see these amazing ideas brought to life in our classrooms this fall!
things!

Laurel County Public Schools is proud to announce Stephanie Boshers as the new Principal at Camp Ground Elementary. A veteran educator with 22 years of experience in elementary education, Mrs. Boshers brings a proven record of instructional leadership, curriculum expertise, and school improvement to her new role.
Mrs. Boshers' distinguished career includes serving as the Curriculum Lead Teacher and Curriculum Coach at Bush Elementary School, where she drove professional learning and data analysis. Additionally, she has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Cumberlands, teaching undergraduate education courses.
Mrs. Boshers dedication to education has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being honored as the 2024 Campbellsville Teacher of the Year, receiving the University of Kentucky’s Teachers Who Made a Difference award in 2009, and the NLHS You Made a World of Difference award in 2016 and 2019.
Mrs. Boshers earned her Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University and her Master’s from Union College. She is currently completing her Ed.S. in Educational Leadership through the University of the Cumberlands.
"I believe that when we prioritize relationships, maintain high expectations, and provide the support needed for success, incredible things can happen for students,” reflected Mrs. Boshers. "I am honored to join the Camp Ground Elementary family and look forward to partnering with students, staff, families, and the community as we continue building a culture of excellence together."
Outside of school, Mrs. Boshers enjoys traveling, being involved in school and community events, reading, making memories with her family, and supporting her son's activities.

Mrs. Boshers, congratulations on your new position!

Laurel County Public Schools is pleased to announce Susan Cornelius as the new principal of Cold Hill Elementary School.

Mrs. Cornelius is a dedicated educator with 15 years of experience. She has served as a High School Interventionist at both North Laurel and South Laurel High Schools, providing targeted academic and behavioral support, and as a teacher at North Laurel Middle School. She has also served as a school leader of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) program, promoting a positive, student-centered school culture.

Mrs. Cornelius holds a Master's in Principalship and School Counseling, a Specialist Certification in Reading and Writing, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in School Leadership.

"I am incredibly excited to begin this next chapter of my life, leading the amazing staff and students at Cold Hill Elementary,” said Mrs. Cornelius. "My vision is to honor and continue the wonderful growth of the students and staff that was previously cultivated by the former principal. Together, we will build upon that strong foundation to reach even greater heights."

When Mrs. Cornelius is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family, making lasting memories. She is also a member of the First Baptist Church of East Bernstadt worship team, where she shares her vocal talent.

Congratulations, Mrs. Cornelius, on your new position!

⭐️In the Spotlight at Jostens Renaissance Global Conference

We are incredibly proud of London Elementary Assistant Principal Mrs. Miranda Parker for representing LCPS as a guest speaker at the Jostens Global Conference during the “PC & Friends” session alongside Dr. Phil Campbell.

Mrs. Parker delivered an outstanding message on the power of building meaningful relationships, recognizing and celebrating students and staff, and cultivating a positive school culture where everyone feels valued, seen, and connected. Her passion for people, leadership, and student success was evident as she shared how intentional relationships and recognition can truly transform a school community.
Way to go, Mrs. Parker!

Laurel County Public Schools is proud to announce that Brittany Lewis has been selected as the new Principal of Johnson Elementary School.

Mrs. Lewis brings 15 years of dedicated educational experience in the Laurel County School District to her new leadership role. Throughout her career in the district, she has served in several key capacities, including English Teacher, School Librarian, and Assistant Principal. This diverse background provides her with a deep, well-rounded understanding of classroom instruction, school operations, and student support systems.

"I am incredibly excited to begin leading the students and staff at Johnson Elementary," said Mrs. Lewis. "As a resident of the Johnson area, I am uniquely invested in our school's growth, and I have a profound, firsthand desire to see our students and families succeed in every possible way."

Mrs. Lewis lives in the Johnson community with her husband and two children.

🎉 Congratulations to Hazel Green Elementary and Camp Ground Elementary! 🎉

We are proud to announce that both Hazel Green Elementary and Camp Ground Elementary have earned Jostens Renaissance Silver School of Distinction Recognition!

This achievement reflects the incredible work of our students, staff, administrators, and families in creating positive school cultures where relationships, recognition, and student success are celebrated every day. Through their commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, both schools have demonstrated excellence in building a culture that values respect, encouragement, and achievement.

The Jostens Renaissance Program recognizes schools that are dedicated to improving school climate, boosting student engagement, and celebrating the accomplishments of both students and staff.

Congratulations to the entire Hazel Green and Camp Ground school communities on this well-deserved honor! Thank you for your dedication to making your schools places where students thrive and succeed.

Laurel County Public Schools are shining bright at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference!

🌟SLMS and NLMS earn Gold School of Distinction honor! To earn Gold School of Distinction recognition from the Jostens Renaissance Program⁠, a school must demonstrate that it has implemented Renaissance practices that improve school culture and climate through the 6 Rs:

-Respect
-Recognize
-Reward
-Reinforce
-Relationships
-Results

Schools submit evidence through the annual School of Distinction application. Gold-level schools must document a more comprehensive implementation than Silver, including multiple recognition and reward systems, staff recognition, student leadership involvement, culture-building activities, measurable results, and collaboration with the Renaissance community.

🌟SLHS is named a Platinum School of Distinction! For the 2026 application cycle, Platinum schools must have demonstrated all of the Gold-level requirements plus additional evidence, including:

-Defined and tracked measurable Renaissance goals and data.
-Participation in the Renaissance community (networking, Idea Exchange, etc.).
-Commitment to Graduate (C2G) initiatives.
-Recognition of both students and staff (“Staffulty”).
-Reinforcement of school values throughout the school environment.
-Collection and use of stakeholder feedback/surveys.
-A Renaissance Rally.
-Community partnerships.
-Service projects.
-Collaboration with other schools.
-At least two Staffulty advisors.
-Use of Renaissance Cards to recognize and reward achievement and growth.
-Prior School of Distinction recognition.

Congratulations to SLHS, SLMS, and NLMS on earning these honors! Stayed tuned for other exciting news and recognitions from the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference!

Do you know an outstanding Laurel County Public Schools alumnus? Nominate them today for the Laurel County Schools Alumni Hall of Fame!
Nomination forms can be picked up at Central Office or completed online, https://www.laurel.k12.ky.us/forms/spring-2026-alumni-hall-of-fame-nomination-form

Laurel County Public Schools Official Laurel County Schools page

⭐️History Made: Recent South Laurel High School Graduate Mallie Johnson Named Kentucky FFA State Star in Agribusiness

The South Laurel FFA has a STAR!!! Recent South Laurel High School graduate Mallie Johnson was recognized at the Kentucky FFA State Convention as the 2026 Kentucky FFA Star in Agribusiness! She is the first State Star in South Laurel High School Chapter history, only the second student ever chosen from Laurel County, and only the ninth ever from the Kentucky River Region.

The State Star Awards in FFA are the most prestigious individual honors the Kentucky FFA Association can bestow upon its members in the areas of Star Farmer (Agricultural Production), Star in Ag Placement, and Star in Agribusiness. Mallie was one of twelve regional stars in her area to advance to the state level, where both her project records were judged, and she was interviewed about her business, Wild West Obsessed.

Congratulations, Mallie!