Beyond the Megaphone: Hunter Scott’s Journey Through the World of Cheer

 Kathy Clayton

 The Ashland Beacon

Anyone involved in cheerleading in this area is familiar with the friendly face of Hunter Scott. From his days of cheering on the Russell Red Devils to his current stint on the sidelines with legendary Greenup County cheer coach Candy Berry, Hunter has been a part of the local cheer scene for many years. In the world of cheerleading, few names command as much respect and admiration as Hunter Scott.

Hunter recalled, “My cousin, Sharon Fannin cheered at Greenup County, and I would sometimes watch. I remember going to the Kings Island competition (a major event for local teams) and watching them, and that’s when I knew I wanted to do that.”

With a career spanning over two decades, Scott has become synonymous with excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the sport of cheer.  From his humble beginnings taking tumbling classes at the June Conn Dance Studio to winning multiple white satin jackets, Scott’s journey through the ever-evolving world of cheer serves as an inspiration to aspiring cheerleaders both new and far.

Scott's remarkable journey to the top is marked by numerous achievements and milestones. As a competitive cheerleader, Scott has led his teams to victory in prestigious championships, showcasing his unparalleled skill, athleticism, and commitment to excellence. His list of achievements is quite impressive and includes being a 2009 National Champion, 2009- Worlds fifth place finished with KY Elite, 2009- KHSAA State Runner Up for RHS, 2010 UCA National Runner Up, 2010 World Champion for the KY Elite, 2010- UCA National runner up, 2011- fifth place finish for Gym Tyme, and a USASF three-time Worlds competitor. His performances on the mat were nothing short of legendary, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and competitors alike.

Many people don’t realize cheerleading is an intensely physical sport. Those involved in it have the dedication and ferocity often attributed to other sports. “It really requires a lot of work. I had a lot of tumbling classes and private lessons – lots and lots of hours spent practicing,” Scott shared.

“I spent five years as a cheerleading athlete at Russell; I started cheering at Kentucky Elite in Lexington my sophomore year of high school,” Scott shared. He went to the cheer and tumbling competition group, Kentucky Elite, in Lexington for three or so years. “I’d drive to Lexington after games on Friday and stay with an aunt and uncle who lived there then come back Sunday nights. I ended up quitting high school cheering during basketball of my senior year.” It was also during his senior year that his squad won a world championship with Kentucky Elite.

Beyond his accomplishments as an athlete, Scott's impact on the world of cheerleading extends far beyond the competition floor. As a coach, mentor, and advocate for the sport, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of cheerleaders, instilling in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Hunter teaches tumbling at Pride Athletics near Greenup County High School and helps the legendary Candy Berry with the multiple award-winning GCHS cheerleaders. “I’ve coached cheer and tumbling. I’ve coached a lot at this point,” Scott said. In 2015, Scott helped coach the Boyd County High School cheer team to a regional championship.

He noted that Pride Athletics Studio has schools from all over the area – as far as Pikeville and Elliott County, as well as Ohio. “We (the Greenup Count cheer squad) just got back from winning nationals in Florida this year,” he said. “We had a heartbreaking loss last year, so winning this year was even better.” In 2023, Greenup County came in first at the World Championship and second at the Nationals.

Hunter said he is enjoying the teaching aspect of his career. “I love seeing them gain new skills. It’s almost more rewarding watching them acquire new skills and win awards than it was for me,” explained Scott. Whether he is coaching aspiring athletes, or simply spreading joy and positivity, Scott's legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

Ashland Springboards Flowers and Finery with First Daffodil Springtacular in March

Kathy Clayton

The Ashland Beacon

                Spring flowers and spring finery go hand in hand, and the first Daffodil Springtaclar will meld the two together in what Norma Meek and her committee hope will be an ongoing event for Ashland and the surrounding area.

                The idea for the flower event sprang from the mind of Meek, a well-known activist for improving the community. Recognizing that so many stop by Central Park in the spring to revel in the bright fields of daffodils after the long, gray winter, she thought that would be a springboard (no pun intended) to make Ashland a spring event site.

                “We want to do something to spread that cheer through our neighborhoods,” Meek explained. The group has planted thousands of bulbs around various neighborhoods and will have a kickoff event Sunday, March 17, at Central Park with a family walk.

                “It’s much more than just a walk,” Meek enthused. “Mr. Easter Bunny will be there with his wife, Esther, to take pictures amongst the daffodils. We have hot chocolate, and we’re giving away about $2000 in prizes.” The event is sponsored by the Ashland Area YMCA. “You don’t have to sign up, and the walk around the park will begin at the shelter house.”

                Part of the festivities will begin next week on March 1 when the Haberdashery Shop will open in the Highlands Museum. The hat shop project is headed by Clark Wiley, who said all proceeds will help fund the daffodil project.

                “Spring flowers always bring to mind Easter finery,” Wiley said, “and the shop will have beautiful hats designed by Kimberly Watula,” who Wiley said is a former buyer for Nordstrom. “The Haberdashery Shop will have something for everyone – women, children, we even have ties for the men.” There will also be special socks for men, and cat and dog collars.

                The Spring Spectacular will run from March 1-24. People can stop by the museum and pick up a map of the neighborhoods and areas where daffodils have been planted. So far, seven meadows have been planted with cheerful flowers, as well as at Armco Park and the large city of Ashland sign, and Meek said there has been a great response from the community in planting daffodils in their yards. The 2024 Springtacular will highlight the Bradley Drive neighborhood.

                “Our goal is for Ashland to be designated as a spring event. We want to get people out to enjoy what Ashland has to offer, see our neighbors,” Meek declared. “We want this to be a festival that promotes love, beauty and peace.”

                Also on hand will be Daphne Dil, the daffodil fairy. “The daffodil fairy helps keep them growing through the year after the long winter,” Wiley said. “Every time people see the daffodils bloom year after year, we want it to remind them of good times.”

                Wiley is excited for the Haberdashery to bring in families. “The shop is in the area of the museum that long-time residents will recognize as the area where hats were sold when the building was Parsons Department Store.”

                “They can make an appointment,” he continued. “We’re going to set up vanities back-to-back, and ladies can come in and try on different hats.” Wiley said he’s read up on Princess Diana’s designer, who emphasized using mirrors to make sure everything looked good coming and going. “I had never really thought of that.”

                Wiley said that Ms. Watula has already designed some hats and will bring some with her, and someone is available to paint shoes to match. “And of course, the hats and matching gloves are essential for Derby parties.”

                “And we are adding a special touch, a little crown, someplace on each item,” he said.

                “We want to create an atmosphere from days gone by when department stores catered to women shopping, when everything was wrapped and taken to the car for them,” Wiley explained. “Bring your friends, make an appointment, and have tea and cookies.”

                Meek noted that each year, the committee will recognize someone influential in the beautification effort.

                “This year, our honoree is Dr. M.J. Wixsom, the veterinarian who started planting the daffodil bulbs many years ago.”

                Meek praised the nine-member committee for their hard work. “We have so many great sponsors, and we were able to get a grant to help fund the Springtacular. The committee is also selling long-sleeved kelly green t-shirts. Order forms will be available at the family walk on March 17.

                “We just want to emphasize that this is a family event and show off our beautiful town,” Wiley said.

Proud Past and a Bright Future: Businessman Scott Wamsley

Gwen Akers

The Ashland Beacon

Becoming a good business person is something that requires hard work, perseverance, and ambition, and chasing your dreams is another factor all in itself – something that successful Ashland native and businessman Scott Wamsley has perfected.

Growing up, Wamsley’s grandparents were the owners of a local trophy store, PNB Trophy. They were very proud of the business, even expanding into a second storefront in Grayson, Ky. After seeing all the hard work his grandparents put in, and the amazing impact their work had upon the community, Wamsley knew that he wanted to follow in their footsteps and become an entrepreneur himself one day.

“I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit and drive, and with an accounting background, I've always had that analytical [or] financial business thought process,” expressed Wamsley.

Wamsley was born and raised in the Ashland area, graduating from Paul G. Blazer High School and then moving to Morehead State University where he graduated in 2009 with double majors in accounting and business administration. It was here that Wamsley was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and started his first business, B.W.H. Security along with two of his high school friends.

While still in school, Wamslely managed the financial side of B.W.H. Security, and since then the company has grown to over 100 employees and has offices in six states. After graduating, Wamsley also took on a career working in CPA firms in Ashland for around 13 years. During this time, Wamsley was building both his confidence and skills to strike out on his own in the coming years. By 2019, B.W.H. Security was thriving, and Wamsley and his partners started investing in commercial real estate with their community in mind.

“I was fascinated with the idea of working for yourself and investing in our community. I have always seen myself as someone to be my own boss and yeah, go that path with it,” detailed Wamsley.

Community-oriented, Wamslely knew that his vision of Ashland was inviting, one where people would keep coming back to this area. Wamsley is a firm believer that if you are fortunate enough to be able to give back to your community in some way–you definitely should.

“I have kids; my wife and I have four kids between us. I want to try to do my part in ensuring that people from that generation stick around Ashland and continue in our area,” explained Wamsley.

Wamsley aims to give back to the Ashland area in as many ways as he can, not just through his revitalization of the 29th Street area, his recent purchase of the Fat Patty’s franchise and ownership of the Catlettsburg Giovannis, or in his operation of 11 Subway franchises throughout the state, but also at the school level where he is the assistant baseball coach at Paul G. Blazer.

In particular, Wamsley even supplied the team with a training facility he purchased after hardships almost left the team without a place to condition.

Wamsley, with all of his successes, could not be more proud of the community we have, and the future we are creating. It is our future generations who will carry on the legacy of Ashland, and the best thing they can do is keep chasing after their dreams just as Wamsley has.

“The best ability you can have is availability, and if you can show up every day and face challenges and just be ready to take on anything that is coming your way. Persistence and grinding, being willing to do things that you don't want to do but you know you have to. Being a self-motivator–all these are great attributes for anyone wanting to be successful as an entrepreneur,” advised Wamsley. 

Wamsley has big plans for the future of Ashland, whether it is on 29th Street or in the burgers we will all be enjoying at Fat Patty’s. Wamsley encourages us to remember where we have come from and what we are heading toward.

Say Yes to the Dress with Kristen’s Dresses

Gwen Akers

The Ashland Beacon

Everyone loves the feeling of standing under the dreamy glow of dance lights, surrounded by all your friends as you twirl in just the perfect sparkling gown–and Kristen’s Dresses helps those of all ages and sizes experience just that.

“Whenever anyone comes in [the store], it’s part of the prom experience. It’s part of the fun, and a big part of it is looking for a dress,” explained Kristen Pennington, owner of Kristen’s Dresses. “I want people to feel very comfortable walking into my dress shop.”

Picking out the perfect dress for homecoming, prom or a military ball is one of the best parts of going to an event, and Kristen Pennington knows that better than anyone.

“Since I was a little girl, the only thing I've ever wanted to do was own a formal dress shop,” expressed Pennington.

Pennington, a Minnesota native, moved to Kentucky after meeting her husband at a church ski trip. After her children graduated, Pennington knew that it was time to step into the dress of her dreams: creating a dress-shopping experience for every person. She realized soon after going into the dress business that there was a great need in the area for variety in sizing and style, as well as affordability. Soon enough, what started as a hobby has since turned into a blooming business run out of Pennington’s home–this year marking her 10th year since its opening. 

“I did see a need for this experience, [and it] being a fun experience for every single girl,” commented Pennington.

Pennington prides her store on crafting the perfect experience for everyone who visits. She strives for that smile in the mirror as someone truly falls in love with the dress. Everyone deserves that moment–spinning in front of the mirror feeling as if she is the star. Pennington herself cannot help but smile at this, her happiness boosted by the girls she gets to help find that “perfect dress.”

“I am genuinely thrilled for these girls, and a lot of times people don't believe me when I'm so happy for them,” detailed Pennington. “I love to see that–I never get tired of seeing a young lady or a young customer finding a dress, being happy and smiling.”

Pennington has since helped girls all across the area, specifically Maddy Burns. Burns is a good family friend of Pennington’s who has bought several dresses off of her and even works for Pennington on occasion.

“She's very helpful when you're there. She helps you pick out the dresses she thinks that you would like, and she helps you just make sure that you're getting everything that you need. She has a really good variety of stuff and a lot of sizes. She has something for everyone,” expressed Burns.

No matter what kind of dresses you like–sparkly or mysterious, prom or homecoming–Kristen’s Dresses has it for you. If you are interested in checking out Pennington’s store, check out her Facebook page under “Kristen’s Dresses.”