A plaque in honor of Nobel Laureate Robert H. Grubbs (PTHS '60) was installed today at the STEM classroom in the Paducah Innovation Hub. The plaque reads:
"Born in Marshall County and raised in Paducah, Robert H. Grubbs graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1960. His formative years in Paducah laid the foundation for a remarkable career in science and innovation. He earned degrees in chemistry from the University of Florida and Columbia University, later completing postdoctoral work at Stanford.
Grubbs served on the faculty of Michigan State University before joining the California Institute of Technology in 1978, where he became the Victor and Elizabeth Atkins Professor of Chemistry. In 2005, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry- alongside R. R. Schrock and Y. Chauvin- for his pioneering work in olefin metathesis, a breakthrough in synthetic chemistry.
A prolific inventor and entrepreneur, Grubbs held over 200 U.S. patents and founded multiple companies, including one that commercialized his Nobel-winning catalyst. His innovations also led to FDA-approved synthetic polymers used in cataract lens replacements.
Reflecting on his journey, Grubbs said at his 2005 Paducah Tilghman Hall of Fame induction:
"When I left Tilghman in 1960 as a fair student- maybe top 25- and a mediocre athlete- basketball and high jump- I never dreamed that I would become part of the Tilghman Hall of Fame. It is a great honor to have been chosen. It shows there is hope for everyone."
A scholarship was established as a memorial to Dr. Grubbs. Tilghman seniors who have excelled in science and chemistry and plan to continue their studies in science are eligible to apply for the scholarship. If you would like to donate to this memorial fund, mail a check to PPS Foundation (Grubbs Scholarship), P O Box 2550, Paducah, KY 42002. You may also donate online to the Paducah Schools Foundation at Paducah Public Schools Foundation Endowment.
It is Senior Night tonight as PTHS hosts St. Mary at Dinning Gym. Girls Varsity begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by Senior Night at approximately 7:00 p.m. Boys Varsity follows at 7:30 p.m.
The PT Academic Team had a great showing at District Governor's Cup competition, coming in second place overall. Most of the events had to be rescheduled due to the weather, and only a handful of team members were able to attend on January 31 at Marshall County High School, but everyone who was able to attend placed in one or more individual events, as well as placing second in Quick Recall as a team, earning 5 points in the overall competition.
The QR team, including Caroline Adkins, Max Canlas, Emme Haus, and Sam Marcum, advances to the regional competition at Murray High School on February 21. The Future Problem Solving team, comprised of Christian Anderson, Bailey Beyer, Lucy LeBuhn, and Sophie Panor, came in 3rd, earning 3 points for the overall.
The following students placed in the top 5 in individual events and will advance to the regional competition as well:
Caroline Adkins (6.5 points earned):
3rd place, Language Arts
3rd place (tie), Social Studies
5th place, Composition
Sam Marcum (5.5 points):
2nd place, Social Studies
4th place (tie), Science
Max Canlas (2.5 points):
4th place (tie), Science
5th place, Mathematics
Emme Haus (1 point):
5th place, Arts & Humanities
Photo caption, left to right: Sam Marcum, Caroline Adkins, Emme Haus, Max Canlas
CTE provides students with career exploration opportunities early in their educational experience, which enables them to make informed and beneficial decisions about their academic coursework and pursue established programs of study and career pathways that lead to good jobs in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, energy, health care, information technology, and transportation.
To find out more about the opportunities that the Paducah Innovation Hub offers in Career and Technical Education, visit paducahinnovationhub.com
Reminder: The PTHS basketball games at McCracken County High School are on for tonight. Varsity girls play at 6:00 p.m. followed by varsity boys at 7:30 p.m. MCHS says parking lots and sidewalks will be cleared. Fans and student families should use their best judgment when deciding to attend the game.
FAN INFORMATION
Admission: Gates Open 1 hr before contest
Cost of admission is $7.00 per ticket + gofan fee
Ages 5 and under are free
SENIOR CITIZENS 65 and above FREE ADMISSION—No reimbursement if tickets are purchased
No Food or Drinks or Outside Containers
McCracken Co utilizes GoFan for all ticket sales for athletic events.
NO CASH SALES: Fans will be turned away
https://gofan.co/app/school/KY13133
** Credit Card Readers will be available
The only activity that remains as scheduled for Friday is the Paducah Tilghman High School Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball games at McCracken County High School. MCHS says parking lots and sidewalks will be cleared. Fans and student families should use their best judgement when deciding to attend the game.
Paducah Tilghman students will learn online using Microsoft Teams. Paducah Middle, elementary and Head Start students will use paper packets. Your student’s school will send additional instructions.
A NTI day does not change the school calendar. The last day for students is still Thursday, May 21, as scheduled.
Performance Details
Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 3:45 p.m.
Location: Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville
