A Legacy of Community: Will Nancy High School once again serve residents as a Community Center?

Image courtsey of Pulaksi Co School District (C) 2025 All Rights Reserved

Nancy, Kentucky (SPA)---Nancy High School, a cornerstone of its rural Pulaski County community for decades, left an indelible mark on its students and the town of Nancy, Kentucky, before its consolidation into Pulaski County High School in 1981. While the high school no longer exists as a separate entity, its legacy lives on through the memories of its alumni.

The precise founding date of the original Nancy High School is not readily available in public records, a common trait among many early rural schools in Kentucky, which often began in smaller, simpler structures. The school's final and most enduring home was constructed in 1959 at 240 Kentucky Highway 196. This building served the high school's students until the county-wide consolidation of several smaller high schools into the new, larger Pulaski County High School on University Drive in Somerset, Kentucky. The former  High School campus has been vacant and remains empty to this day. The Mascot, the Nancy Dragon, remains the Mascot of Nancy Elementary School, while high school graduates from the Nancy area are now Southwestern Warriors, following the split of Pulaski County High School into Southwestern High School.

Notable Graduates

Nancy High School is perhaps most famously remembered for a remarkable athletic achievement. On January 16, 1976, Nancy High School basketball player Billy Miller, current pastor of Jordan Christian School, scored an astounding 90 points in a game against Pine Knot High School. This incredible feat remains one of the highest individual scoring performances in Kentucky high school basketball history.

The coach of that celebrated basketball team was Avery Hatfield (father of current Pulaski County Attorney Martin Hatfield), who was a well-respected educator and coach in the Pulaski County school system. Hatfield was known for his ability to mentor and develop young athletes, and his tenure at Nancy High School is a significant part of the school's athletic history.

Sadly, there is no comprehensive, well-documented list of all notable graduates; the school undoubtedly produced generations of individuals who went on to contribute to their communities in various fields. Some graduates of note are former Pulaski County Jailer, 911 Administrator, and current owner of Samuel Ray Godby Realtor and the Rex restaurant in Nancy, KY Rick Barker, who was valedictorian of his class, and Todd Wood, former Pulaski County Sheriff and high basketball standout Are some of the most notable graduates of Nancy High School. Like many small-town schools, Nancy High School was a central part of the community, fostering a close-knit environment where students received a personalized education and formed lasting bonds.

The End of an Era and a New Beginning

The consolidation of Nancy High School into Pulaski County High School was part of a broader trend in Kentucky and across the nation to centralize resources and expand academic and extracurricular opportunities for students. The story of Nancy High School is more than just a chapter in a history book; it’s a living legacy for the community of western Pulaski County. Nestled in the rolling hills of Kentucky, the "Dragons" represented a tight-knit culture where everyone was a neighbor and the school was the heartbeat of social life. The history of Nancy High School is a testament to the importance of community-based education and to the lasting impact that smaller schools have on their students' lives.  The history of Nancy High School is a testament to the power of community-based education. In smaller environments, teachers often knew not just the student’s name but also their parents, siblings, and family history. This created a unique accountability and support system that many graduates argue is lost in massive modern campuses.

Talking to former graduates and faculty reveals a recurring theme: identity. For those who walked those halls, the "Dragons" mascot wasn't just a logo; it was a badge of pride. Here is what some active alumni have to say about that enduring era:

• On the "Family" Atmosphere:

  "In a small school like Nancy, you didn't just have classmates; you had brothers and sisters. If you got in trouble at school, your mom knew about it before you even got off the bus. That closeness kept us grounded." — Class of '68 Alumnus

• On the Value of Individual Attention:

  "Our teachers were our mentors. They didn't just teach math or English; they taught us how to be good citizens. They had the time to care because the classes were small enough that no one could 'hide' in the back row." — Former Nancy Faculty Member

• On the Transition to Consolidation:

  "Going from Nancy to the 'big' Pulaski County High was a culture shock. We missed the intimacy of our old gym and the local rivalries, but we carried that Nancy work ethic with us. We proved that 'country kids' could compete with anyone." — Class of '72 Graduate

Those who recall the local parades and Friday night ballgames will never forget Nancy High School's legacy. Even though the "Dragons" are no longer in control of the court, the resiliency and sense of community that were ingrained there still influence Pulaski County's officials and residents. There have been a lot of unsubstantiated claims lately that the Pulaski County Fiscal Court will take possession of the former school site and turn it into a community center similar to the Woodstock Community Center in northern Pulaski County.

However, since this is an election year, there hasn't been any official action or statement yet. More than anything else, these allegations could be spread to garner political attention and sway voters in the upcoming May primary. We'll keep an eye on this story and notify our readers when new details emerge.