Coaching Phenomenon  

Berry to be Inducted into the KHSAA Dawahares Hall of Fame Class of 2023

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

“We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence therefore is not an act,

but a habit.”- Aristotle

   How does one go from a good coach to a great coach? Is it the number of wins or championship trophies under his or her belt? Is it the rankings of the program? Perhaps, it’s the impact that he or she has made on the athletes coached?  The truth is that there is not one perfect formula to becoming a great coach. However, there a clear difference between what makes a coach and what makes a coach great. A good coach knows how to follow a program that has been given to him or her and how to give the athletes a better understanding of how to best adapt their athletic performance to fit the criteria of that program. However, a great coach understands that the world of sports continues to evolve and with that the need for programs to evolve is vital to the success of any athletic program. A good coach can copy what other coaches previously have done, but a great coach realizes that when we try to follow another person’s path to success that is grounds for failure.  A copy of something will never be as great as the original. 

   No one understands this better than local Greenup County High School Cheer Coach, Candace (Candy) Sue Berry. Berry first entered the world of cheer in the 1960s when there wasn’t much to cheerleading beyond high ponytails, sideline chants, and big pom poms.  Berry was a freshman at Russell High School when she had her first taste of the cheer world. At the time, cheerleading wasn’t considered a competitive sport, and many people didn’t even consider cheerleaders as athletes. Unbeknownst to Berry, all that was about to change, and she would go on to revolutionize the world of cheer forever.

   Like most young girls, Berry met the love of her life shortly after high school. They were later married and started a family. Berry’s love for the world of cheer never went away.  Her memories of her days at Russell cheering for the Red Devils were always tucked away in the back of her mind. Berry soon realized that she had a real passion for the sport, and she wanted to share that passion with others.  She concluded that becoming a cheer coach would be the best path for her.  Little did she know that the path she had chosen would not only lead her into legendary status but that she would also help others achieve the same. Berry stated, “Cheerleading was something I was really good at in school. I did well with it, and when I was given the opportunity to step into coaching, I did.”

   Berry’s coaching career began at Russell High School where she coached for five years before being offered the position of head cheer coach at Greenup County High School in 1976. After coaching at Greenup County for four years, Berry had the opportunity to take her cheer squad to the first ever National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando Florida in 1980. This competition was the first of its kind. It provided cheerleaders the opportunity to be rewarded for their hard work and dedication to the sport. It also created an entirely new mindset for those who didn’t view cheering as a sport. Cheerleaders could now be recognized for their talents, abilities, and enthusiasm.

   For 43 straight years, Berry’s cheerleading squad has earned the privilege to take to the mats of the National High School Cheerleading Championship and often blow their competition out of the water. Since Berry started as Greenup County’s cheer coach back in 1976, she has led the Greenup County cheerleaders to 16 national championship titles. Her collection of white-satin championship jackets includes: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2015 and 2017.  In addition to Greenup’s 16 national titles, Greenup County’s cheerleading program has brought home the three KHSAA state championship titles in 2015,2016, and 2022 and have claimed the Kentucky Association of Pep State Championship title five times. They have even been featured on CBS in 1984 and have had a book written about them, entitled We’ve Got Spirit: The Life and Times of America’s Greatest Cheerleading Team, written by James T. McElroy. The accomplishments of Berry’s legendary cheerleading squad don’t stop at white satin jackets. Under Berry’s leadership the Greenup County High School cheer squads have accumulated a rather impressive list of accomplishments, which include being given the opportunity to perform at various events and locations over the years. Berry’s squad has had the honor to perform for the Kansas City Kings basketball team in 1984, travel to Japan and perform in Japan’s first ever cheer competition in 1988, perform at the Coca- Cola City during the 1996 Olympics, and even had the opportunity to perform for the Orlando Magic basketball team in 1997.

  One thing is for sure—Candy Berry knows how to coach cheerleading. Berry realizes you have to train in anticipation of competing against the best and make sure that your training is far more challenging and physically demanding than the competition you are training against in order to be the best. Berry possesses the uncanny ability to not only successfully engage with her athletes but also the ability to inspire to bring out their full potential. Berry also realizes that it is of the utmost importance that no matter what you do in life that you do it with respect to others and never give up on your dreams. Berry remarked, “When we learn to respect others and learn to be dedicated in what we do… we build strong athletes. Stumbles and falls are inevitable. You never want to quit before you reach the finish line. What you want to remember is that the journey that you are on is what makes it all worth it.”

   Due to Berry’s unique, fundamentally sound, and ever evolving approach to coaching, she has truly put not only Greenup County on the map but the state of Kentucky, as well. Through her 46 years of coaching, Berry has touched the lives of hundreds and has opened the eyes of nay sayers everywhere to the reality that cheer is indeed not only a sport but a competitive one at that. Berry has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years for her successful career in coaching, which include being named the 2000 American Cheer Magazine Coach of the Year, the 1988 KAPOS Coach of the Year, the 1999 UCA Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2012 University of Kentucky Cheer Alumni Award, the American Spirit Award, two-time Kentucky Colonel recognition, 2017 Greenup County High School Hall of Fame, and many more.

    Berry recently added another high honor to an already impressive list. It was recently announced that Berry earned the honor of being inducted into the KHSAA Dawahares Hall of Fame Class of 2023 on April 30, 2023. “To have the honor of being added to a list of others who have dedicated their careers and lives to our Kentucky youth is a dream come true. God has blessed me with the ability of being a coach. I love the kids; I love seeing them learn a skill and become proud of what they have learned. Our youth is the greatest asset we have and to be able to direct them in anyway is truly my honor,” stated Berry.  She described finding out about this great honor as being “so surreal.” Berry added, “No one can be successful without a support group. I want to thank the Greenup County School District for supporting our program and for helping their students succeed. I also want to thank my family. They have always been so supportive and encouraging to me and that means everything to me.”

Applauding Youth Sports Officials

Doug Calhoun

Ashland Beacon

     Most days, in communities across the Ashland area, courts and fields are filled with

energetic boys and girls. The sidelines and bleachers are crowded with supportive, hopeful

parents, grandparents and siblings. Every season is accompanied by its own sports. Every sport

requires its own coaches. The uniforms change, the equipment varies.

     Our area is rich with opportunities for our kids to compete in youth sports. Every sport

requires referees, officials, and umpires. Fortunately, we are blessed with plenty of men and

women who are willing to fill these demanding and rewarding responsibilities. Some are

modestly compensated while others volunteer their evenings and weekends.

     Veteran youth official Tim Wallin is a strong example of one of the many altruistic youth

officials we are blessed with right here at home. Wallin began officiating youth sports when he

was eighteen calling youth church basketball games at Oakview Elementary. When he was

twenty-one he was refereeing for the first organization that served grade school basketball

hopefuls at the YMCA. This league eventually became what we know now as the Ashland Youth

Basketball league. Back then, Wallin was handsomely compensated two and a half dollars per

game. Meager pay didn’t deter his love for kids and sports as he is now sixty-eight years old

and still billowing the whistle fifty years later as he continues with the AYBL, middle school and

varsity boys and girls basketball.

     Wallin didn’t limit his generosity and talents to basketball. Through the years he has also

served as an umpire in Minor Little league, Major Little League, Little League Softball, and Babe

Ruth Baseball.

     Wallin speaks of how rewarding officiating grade school kids can be. “When you ref a

game, especially in grade school, you are helping the coaches teach the players where to stand

in certain situations, such as free throws and in-bound passes.” Wallin’s infectious smile is

evidence that he takes joy in his dual role as referee and coach. One would think that one of the

most prominent complaints that a youth league official would have would be jeers and heckling

from overly competitive parents and other spectators, but Wallin says that the biggest

challenges come from getting in position to make the right call and concentrating on not

becoming a spectator and stepping out of his role as referee.  He says that he feels most

rewarded when they smile after making a basket and when they smile back at him when he

emphatically tells them, “Yes, you can do it!”

     One parent, Erin Womack, recently took notice of Wallin’s good will when she noted his

treatment of her son Oliver on the court. “I’ve seen Mr.Wallin take time to give a few words of

advice and teach kids at several games so far this season. Their little ears are absorbing what

adults say, and taking time to explain things on their level is so important. Oliver said he (Wallin)

asked him if he was nervous, then explained where his feet should be and what to do after each

foul shot.”

     Wallin’s story is an extraordinary example of giving of yourself, going above your calling,

and being an example of kindness in the sometimes challenging world of youth sports. But, our

area is fortunate to have lots of “Tim Wallin’s” with great hearts and noble intentions as they

serve our kids. The next time you attend a youth sporting event, return the kindness and take a

second to shake a referee or an umpire’s hand and thank them for their generosity and

dedication. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to do this in front of your child so they can see that the men

and women with the whistles around their necks enforcing rules, keeping order, and instructing

are partners with you in building quality athletes.

The Power of Love Honored by Boyd County Students

Deidra Bowling-Meade

The Ashland Beacon

   Martin Luther King once said, “I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind’s problems.” How do you interpret that statement?  Do you find it true?  

   Three local elementary students from Boyd County School District made an impact on the Kentucky Heritage Council for their interpretation of King’s quote by showcasing how love really can make a difference. Fifth grader Allie Jackson from Cannonsburg Elementary, fourth grader Sophie Griffith and fifth grader Peyton Moore from Ponderosa Elementary were recognized this month in Frankfort for their art submissions to the 2022 Martin Luther King Student Art-Essay-Poetry Awards put on by the Kentucky Heritage Council.  Griffith and Moore both received second place for their art and Jackson received third place. 

   These students are part of the the Lion Academy taught by Lisa Wiler and Kim Wilbur.  Wilbur stated that the “Lion Academy is one of the services provided to students identified as Gifted and Talented in academic areas per Kentucky state guidelines. We focus on creative and critical thinking skills through hands-on activities and authentic experiences. Our 4th and 5th grade students attend Lion Academy one day a week, while other grades rotate one day a month.”  The project was perfect for these students to showcase their talents in artistic ability, as well as apply critical thinking by interpreting King’s quote.

   Jackson drew two people of different races shaking hands inside a heart with the world around the heart.  On the outside of the circle, she put the quote by Martin Luther King Jr.

   Jackson  remarked, “I decided to draw this because I thought it captured the theme and it had a message. Honoring Martin Luther King is important to me because it means giving him credit for what he did to fight for equality.”

   Griffith drew an American flag with a black and white broken heart put back together with a bandage.  “I wanted to represent that black and white people needed to be cured with love,” commented Griffith.

   Moore drew a person with special powers fighting a monster of hatred.  Love was the powerful force that destroyed the monster.  Moore exclaimed, “People are good and can find the greatness inside of them.  If one person believes in love and happiness, it can make a difference. Don’t go with the pack. Martin Luther King, Jr. had such futuristic guidance to problems.  His words matter!  What we do matters. I wanted to capture that in my art.”

   These three students received an invitation to be recognized at the Awards Ceremony  in Frankfort, KY at the Kentucky Historical Society on January 12.  They enjoyed their trip and experience while there.  Jackson remarked, “It felt amazing to be recognized for my artwork.  I was excited about the opportunity to go to Frankfort, and I enjoyed it very much.” Griffith was nervous about being recognized, but she said she was “excited and honored to go.”  This was Griffith’s first trip to Frankfort.  “We got a private tour of the Capitol, and I got to see my grandfather’s picture.”  Griffith’s grandfather is Larry Ball, who had his photography selected to be on display for six months in the Capitol.  Obviously, artistic vision must run in the family!  Moore was the most enthusiastic of all. Moore declared, “It was super duper awesome!  I love all of history.  I got to see a big grand staircase that is a replica in the Governor’s Mansion.  It was beautiful!”  

   These three students made Boyd County proud not only through their art, but through their way of thinking and conduct.  The future looks brighter with kids like Allie Jackson, Sophie Griffith and Peyton Moore making a difference.  Let’s join them in their vision for making the world brighter through love.    

   The words of John Lennon’s song “Imagine” come to mind:

“Imagine all the people

Livin' life in peace

You

You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will be as one”

   The words from John Lennon’s song remind us of a dream this world is still pursuing.  If we simply love, it can make a difference.

Young Scholar Shines Bright with Outstanding Academic Record & Performance

Deidra Bowling-Meade

The Ashland Beacon

   The renowned English physicist Stephen Hawking once said, “Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.” Not everyone is destined to become a scientist; however, Hannah Laney is on course to impact the world of science and her community.  Laney is a senior at Paul G. Blazer High School in Ashland and has been studying at the Gatton Academy in Bowling Green, Ky for the last two years. Laney has set an unprecedented bar with her current academic achievements receiving a perfect 36 score on the ACT, National Merit Scholar Semifinalist and most recently being named a Top 300 Teen Scientists through the Regeneron Science Talent Search.

   Laney has always strived to do her best in everything and set high expectations for herself since a young age.  Anita Laney, who is Hannah’s mother, remarked, “Hannah was very inquisitive as a child. She was always asking questions and had a different way of solving problems.  She preferred reading books to toys.  I had the opportunity to be Hannah’s teacher in the Gifted and Talented Program during grade school, which is when she first started loving science.  I vividly remember one conversation that stood out in my mind the most when she was in fourth grade.  The class was talking about what they wanted to be when they grew up. Some responded policeman, teacher, or doctor. Hannah responded, ‘I want to make a difference in the world.’ I knew then that she thought differently on a social/emotional level.”

   In seventh grade, Laney took the ACT for the first time “just to get a feel for the test.” Laney was promised a trip to Universal Studios by her mother if she scored a 33 or higher.  Those bags were quickly packed! That first attempt score was a 34! As a junior, Laney was required by the state to take the test again and scored a 35.  “I was pretty happy with that, but my senior year I took it again and I wasn’t as nervous.  I think that’s what made the difference in getting the perfect score.  Getting a 36 was something I wanted to accomplish.” 

   Laney enjoyed taking math and science courses at Paul Blazer High School.  Her favorite subject was math and learning from math teacher Laura Hackney, who had Laney for Algebra II, Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus. Hackney commented on getting the opportunity to teach Laney, as well as Laney’s academic performance and character: “I am so proud of Hannah for all of her achievements at Gatton Academy.  She is a remarkable young woman and is among the most outstanding students I have ever had the privilege of teaching.  She has an incredible depth of understanding and asks thoughtful and insightful questions to gain understanding of relationships between concepts.  Hannah exemplifies the characteristics of a true scholar, consistently scoring the highest marks in her classes.  She maintains a humble spirit and never acts as though she is any different from other students.  In addition to being a distinguished student, she is an admirable person.  Hannah is an individual with impeccable character, never leaving any question about her integrity.”

   After completing two years at Paul Blazer High School and taking all the science and math courses available, Laney decided to spend her last two years of high school at Gatton Academy. Western Kentucky University’s website described The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science as “Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Gatton Academy is a recipient of the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine and the Innovation Partnership Award from the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools.” Laney wanted the opportunity to take her passion of math and science to the next level, conduct research, as well as be with others who shared her interest. At 16 years old, Laney left the comfort of her hometown, parents and friends and traveled 270 miles to start a new venture in Bowling Green.

   Laney quickly transitioned at the Gatton Academy and served in various capacities, such as the Co-President of Math Club, a math peer tutor, and member of the Gatton Bible Study and International Clubs. Laney found her niche and felt more at home when she became a scientific researcher for one of Western Kentucky University's professors. She participated in a summer internship for six weeks as part of her research.  Laney’s research project was titled, "Synthesis of 4d- and 5d-Based Transition Metal Oxides" and mentored by Dr. Jasminka Terzic with WKU Physics & Astronomy. In her research, Laney grew crystals called 4d- and 5d- transition metal oxides in order to measure their properties. These synthesized crystals may potentially advance current technology, such as developing improved methods of data storage. It was this experience that led to Laney being selected for the Regeneron Science Talent Search. 

   The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. It recognizes and empowers the most promising young scientists who are generating innovative solutions to solve significant global challenges through rigorous research and discoveries. Laney was selected among nearly 2,000 applicants across the U.S. based on her outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions, and exceptional promise as a STEM leader demonstrated through her original, independent research project and essays.  Laney was awarded $2,000 for making it to the top 300 students selected. 

   In addition to her perfect ACT score, Laney scored in the top 1% of students in Kentucky who took the PSAT.  This score and her outstanding academic record earned her National Merit Scholar Semifinalist.  Laney will find out if she is a finalist in February. She will also find out at the end of this month if she will be in the top 40 selected for the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Collectively, Science Talent Search alumni have received millions of dollars in scholarships and gone on to be awarded Nobel Prizes, Field Medals, MacArthur Fellowships, and numerous other honors. Laney dreams of being a part of this group. 

   Laney would like to pursue an MD-PhD program where she could have a medical practice and still do medical research through an academic medical center. She has applied at several prestigious schools and is awaiting to see what she is offered before finalizing her decision in March.  Whatever path Laney pursues, success will be sure to follow.  She will continue to make a difference.  Laney’s work ethic and dedication are unmatched. Hannah Laney is bearing the torch of discovery proudly in her quest for knowledge.

   Just remember to follow the advice from physicist Albert Einstein, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” Best wishes on a bright future, Hannah Laney!