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District

Administrative Team

Head Principal - Michael Zimmer

Principal Michael ZimmerWelcome to Hopkins County Central High School.  I became principal in the 2022-2023 school year.  Prior to that I taught Social Studies at Webster Coutny High School and Hopkins County Central.  I was also a Technology Integrastion Specialist for Hopkins County Schools and a Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator at Madisonville North Hopkins High School.  Prior to becoming the Head Principal, I served as Assistant Principal for three years.  I have coached tennis, basketball, volleyball, and girls golf. I am originally from Louisville and attended Western Kentucky University.  I am married with two kids.  I have been in education since 2003.  

As principal I believe in providing structure while recognizing that we need to allow kids to still be kids.  Whether a kid wants to go to college, attend a trade or technical school, join the military, or enter the workforce, we strive to help students achieve post-secondary success.

Assistant Principal - Matthew Baker

BakerI will be entering my 21st year in education and my 5th year here at HCCHS. I obtained my undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University and Master degrees’ in education from Murray State University.  I’m married to my lovely wife, Wendy and we have one daughter, Shiloh. I look forward to helping the students at HCCHS reach their goals, achieve their dreams, and become successful in life!

Assistant Principal - Melissa Gilkey

AP Melissa GilkeyDuring my educational career I have had the privilege of being a teacher's assistant, high school  math teacher, track and cross country coach, district digital learning coach, and now an assistant principal.   During my free time I enjoy game night with friends, staying active outside, and grubbing on good food.

Instructional Leader - Sarah Sowders

Sowders I was born and raised in Nortonville. I am proud to be a product of Hopkins County Schools. I graduated from Central in 2005. I completed my undergraduate studies in English and Allied Language Arts at Western Kentucky University, minoring in Athletic Coaching. I was blessed with my dream job of teaching English at HCCHS in 2010. I also spent seven years as an assistant coach Lady Storm Basketball from 2010-2017. In 2020, I took on the role of Instructional Leader. I love working with the students and staffulty at Central. I have been, and always will be, proud to be in the Storm Family. 

I currently reside in Nortonville with my husband Gary and our two children Calvin (6) and AJ (4). I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to sporting events and concerts, building Legos, and writing. 

9th Grade Guidance Counselor - Crystal Tow

Tow I am a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College (Middle Grades Education), Murray State University (Master’s in School Counseling), and Lindsey Wilson College (Master’s in Mental Health Counseling).  I am entering my 19th year in education.  I spent 9 years teaching middle school math and English, 7 years as a middle school counselor, and now entering my 3rd year as a high school counselor.  I have been married to my husband for 18 years.  Life away from work consists of traveling with my husband, taking care of the farm animals, and spending time with my nieces and nephews

10th and 11th Grade Guidance Counselor - David Gilkey

Gilkey, David I love working in education and during my time as an educator I have been a substitute teacher, middle school art teacher and currently, a high school counselor. I am a Central High School alumni, and love giving back to my community through the public school system. 
I have a wife and son, and enjoy cooking, making art, gaming, and hanging with friends. 

12th Grade Guidance Counselor - Ashley Mitchell

Mitchell I was born and raised in Hopkins County and graduated from Hopkins County Central High School. I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at the University of Kentucky and then received my Masters of Arts in Education and my Rank 1 from Murray State University. I have been a counselor at Hopkins County Central since 2012 and absolutely love working with the students at HCCHS.

I currently live in Madisonville, KY with my husband Keith and our son Miles. I love all things Disney, BTS and spending time with my family.

LBD Building Coach - Deneise Melton

Building Coach Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Murray State University and Master’s of Special Education from   Campbellsville University. This year begins my 39th year working with children.  Married to Mike. We   have three children, Michael, Lori, and Joe, who all graduated from Central and were members of   STORM Band.  My guiding principle is that I cannot give anyone a drink from an empty cup; therefore, I   strive to learn something new everyday. 

FRSYC Coordinator - Dana Byrum

FRYSC I received my Bachelor's degree from Oakland City University. This is the beginning of my 27th year with the       Hopkins County Board of Education.  I love my job and helping others.  I have been married for 28 years and     have 3 children.  I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and planning trips,  

 

Athletic Director - Austin Byrum

AD Austin ByrumI'm in my 3rd year as the Athletic Director at Hopkins County Central High School. I hold a Bachelor Degree in Social Studies from Kentucky Wesleyan College, a Masters in LBD from the University of the Cumberlands, and a Education Specialist Degree in Principalship from the University of the Cumberlands. I enjoy spending time with my wife, attending ball games, and helping in areas as needed.