Paducah Innovation Hub

Recognize that special staff person who is always there for students. WKCTC's 10th Annual Regional Educators Awards and Scholarship Program (REASP) nominations are open to all!

There are categories for EVERYONE working in public education, so be sure to think about those key people in and outside the classroom in spaces like maintenance, transportation, food services, clerical/administrative and support services. It takes all of us to know each and every student by name and need.

Submitting is easy. You'll need the nominees':
*name
*email
*school district (Paducah Public Schools)

Let the committee know what makes your nominee stand out in our schools. (200 words or less)

Nominate online: https://westkentucky.formstack.com/forms/reasp_nominations_27

Multiple submissions are permitted. Deadline: Friday, November 13 at noon.

Finalists will be recognized this spring.

1 day ago, Paducah Public Schools

Black and red background with gold accent. Text reads "Nomination Form Open!" with a stylized number 10.

Paducah Public Schools sees your child's unlimited potential! That's why the district supports students growing in class, sports, and activities at every level of education.

Bailey Beyer, PTHS '26, found her path here! Check out her story: https://tinyurl.com/PPSOpportunity

You can invite students and families to take the opportunity at Paducah Public Schools! Call 270.444.5600 to learn how.

3 days ago, Paducah Public Schools

Woman with long brown hair smiles, standing in room with a wooden table, white wall, and dark flooring.

Did you catch our future engineers on WPSD Local 6? Their news crews found out firsthand how we educate and connect students to colleges and industry partners. Check out Engineering Night at the Paducah Innovation Hub: https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/ott/paducah-innovation-hub-holds-engineering-day/video_7a0726cd-799a-5a84-92ca-4131bcead569.html Paducah Public Schools see your child's unlimited potential. Take the opportunity: Ask about engineering or enrolling in our district!

8 days ago, Paducah Public Schools

A student constructs a structure with yellow straws on a table. A colorful flag is nearby.

Student engineers met their future professors and employers at the Paducah Innovation Hub! The Hub connected Tilghman and Paducah Middle students taking engineering classes with colleges like UK School of Engineering and Murray State University. Industry leaders from General Matters and BFW Engineering Consulting showed students where their engineering skills are needed. We see your child's unlimited potential! Your student could be an engineer, too! Contact steve.ybarzabal@paducah.kyschools.us to learn how.

8 days ago, Paducah Public Schools

Child working on a table with a structure made of yellow spaghetti and a white ball.

Three women standing in front of a banner with black background and white text.

A young boy is at a table, focusing on a toy setup while another child and adults observe.

Two students working on a project with blue strings and a pile of items on a table.

Four adults standing near a table with blue cover. A woman holding a folder. Banner in background says BFW Marcum.

Three people around a table, a woman seated, a man and a woman standing, and a blue tablecloth

Students and adults gathered at a table with a computer and other items. Some people are standing.

Congratulations to our Paducah Area Technology Center September Students of the Month:

Auto Tech - Ryder Jones
Auto Body - Idris McGee
Welding - Mason Beal
Carpentry - Gaelon Spivey Nunn
Health Science - Daphne McDaniel
Phlebotomy - Sara Herrera

10 days ago, Paducah Public Schools

A student holds a sign saying Paducah Area Technology Center Student of the Month in front of a red-orange background.

A student holding a blue sign that says "Student of the Month" against a blue and white background.

Person with dark hair stands next to blue sign reading Welding Student of the Month. Person holds sign with blue background and white text.

Person in purple shirt holds sign with "Carpentry Student of the Month" text. Behind, wooden structure with text.

A student stands in front of a blue sign, holding a certificate that reads "Student of the Month".

A woman wearing glasses stands in front of a blue sign that says "Phlebotomy Student of the Month".

University of Louisville president Gerry Bradley and members of his leadership team visited Paducah Tilghman and the Paducah Innovation Hub to meet with faculty and staff and take a tour. It was a special treat to welcome 2026 PTHS Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Jeffrey Bumpous, who serves the university as Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine.

2 months ago, Paducah Public Schools

A group of adults in suits are inside a building, with one person standing behind a wooden table.

Group of people in business attire standing in a circular pattern in a lobby. They are conversing.

Two men stand before a poster; one wears a suit and tie, and the other wears glasses. The poster shows a photograph.

Men in suits and ties stand in a hallway. Some are talking. A potted plant is in the background.

Construction of the Paducah Public Schools solar field project is in its final phase. The project began with the demolition of the old Forest Hills School in March 2026. The solar field’s construction is funded by an $875,000 Department of Energy grant received in the fall of 2024.

At the February meeting of the Paducah Board of Education Superintendent Donald Shively said the solar field, which will feed into the Paducah Power System grid, will provide a practical learning experience for students.

“There’s a revenue source for us, but really the focus is on teaching electricity,” Shively said. “Engaging kids in electrical engineering, becoming electricians, and having a real-world site to take them to for hands-on learning. It’s right in Forest Hills, so that’s four minutes from here, and it’ll be our real-world teaching spot. We got awarded this grant in the fall of ‘24, and when you think through what’s going on at the DOE site with not only nuclear enrichment, but now the AI data center that looks to be announced here in the next few weeks, all of that revolves around electricity.”

(Note: The Paducah Sun story "Paducah BOE approves demo contract ahead of solar field project" by Ben Overby on February 17, 2026 was used with permission as the basis for this summary.)

Photo credits: Russ Litsinger, Ascendent Facility Partners

3 months ago, Paducah Public Schools

Construction site with debris and a yellow backhoe in front of a building with a tall chimney.

A construction site with a yellow excavator and a large, open area. A brick building with a chimney.

Multiple solar panels in a row on a dirt field, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

An open area with dirt ground and posts, surrounded by trees and grass under a clear blue sky.

Solar panels under construction in an outdoor area surrounded by a chain-link fence and trees.

Solar panels installed on metal stands in a dirt field, surrounded by trees and greenery.

A solar farm under construction. A car is parked in front of the fence. Green grass and trees are in the background.

Solar panels are installed on a metal structure next to a fenced yard with a car parked in the background.

The 2026 Paducah ATC's Discover Your Future: Summer Academy is officially underway!

This week, middle school students are exploring career pathways through hands-on learning, industry projects, guest speakers, and career exploration activities. Students will have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals, experience cutting-edge technology like VR career simulations, and discover the many opportunities available in skilled trades and technical careers.

We're excited to inspire the next generation of innovators, makers, and industry leaders as they explore, experiment, and embrace new possibilities at the Paducah Area Technology Center!

5 months ago, Paducah Public Schools

Six boys in a car repair shop. One holds a car jack. An old car on a lift is behind them.

A man and a boy examine the underside of a vehicle. The man wears a cap and glasses.

Four women gather at a table, smiling. Various items are on the table, including a box, a water bottle, and colorful materials.

A group of young adults stands in a room, smiling and posing for a photo.

Three people, two boys and a girl, seated at a table in a classroom with a doll, box, and water bottle.

Several individuals in a workshop, including youth, are gathered around wooden structures, with one person in a cap holding a tool.

School's out, but we won't forget about our students! Did you know Paducah Public Schools provide free breakfast and lunch for anyone 0-18 years of age in June and July? Join us for the Summer Feeding Kick-Off Celebration Thursday, June 4, 11-1 pm. The event is at Paducah Middle School.

Your child will see familiar faces in the dunking booth, explore the Touch-a-Trucks and leave with freebies! Students 0-18 will get a hot chicken nugget meal, plus four days of breakfast and lunch. We'll unveil the full summer feeding schedule and mobile locations, too!

See you there!

5 months ago, Paducah Public Schools

A blue background displays a flyer with bold text "SAVE THE DATE!" and "SUMMER FEEDING KICK OFF." The flyer includes a calendar, clock, and location pin.

PTHS senior MaKenzie Hill has passed the Kentucky End of Program test , (EOP,) in Media Arts.

MaKenzie is graduating in the pathway with three years of classes. Hill has videoed/streamed live ball games, anchored PTTV Newscast, directed Newscast and done everything in-between.

"MaKenzie has truly taken a leadership role this year, her senior year," said PTHS Media Arts instructor Mike Spissinger. "We can't wait to watch her take her skills to the next level, starting her new job at WPSD after graduation, in Promotions & on-line producing."

6 months ago, Paducah Public Schools

Woman with glasses, a green sweatshirt, and long blonde hair holds a framed certificate. Background includes a brick wall and a sign.

The Paducah Area Technology Center celebrated their Students of the Year and held a pinning ceremony for Medicaid Nurse Aide candidates and Phlebotomy Technician Candidate on May 7 at the Paducah Innovation Hub.
Congratulations to the PATC Students of the Year:
Auto Tech: Elijah Johnson
Auto Body: Logan Walston
Welding: LaDarius Flemons
Carpentry: Ben Bliss
Medicaid Nurse Aid: Jamari Johnson
Phlebotomy: Malana Bobbitt
Medicaid Nurse Aid candidates included:
DaMoneca Allen, Alyssa Carpton, Amya Dumas, Jasline English, Jayla Enlow, Jamari Johnson, Alana Key, Johannah Moran, Milly Oblea, Abigail Sullivan, Olivia Uhlik, Quinton Turner, Kathryn Wade, Avery Waufle
Phlebotomy Technician candidates included:
DaMoneca Allen, Malana Bobbitt, MarKyah Dunivin, Donovan Hernandez, Jamari Johnson, Makhia Jones, Johannah Moran, Kadence Robertson, Avery Waufle

6 months ago, Paducah Public Schools

A group of students in uniforms pose for a photo on a stage. Some sit on the edge, others stand.

Seven women in matching uniforms stand in a hallway. The hallway has glass doors and gray flooring.

A group of students in uniforms stands in a hallway with glass doors, likely in a medical setting.

Nine people stand in a corridor, posing for a photo. They each hold a tablet. The corridor has glass doors.

Thanks to all our students, staff, and community friends who volunteered to be part of "Community Stick Day" for Ms. Harmon's phlebotomy class!

7 months ago, Paducah Public Schools

A group of people in medical attire, one in gloves preparing an injection, another seated receiving it, and others observing in a clinical room.

A person sits in a chair while a medical professional checks their blood pressure in a room.

Two women in a hospital room. One is seated in a chair, another stands beside her, adjusting a cuff.

A person is seated in a hospital chair while another person, in blue, takes their blood.

National School Librarian Day is Saturday, April 4! We are so grateful for the myriad ways our school librarians encourage our students to love learning and be life-long readers. As we head into Spring Break we wish you a sunny spot, a cool drink and a good book!

7 months ago, Paducah Public Schools

A bookshelf filled with books. Text reads "National School Librarian Day, April 4. We love our school librarians!"

It's great weather, so let's get together!

TOMORROW: The District Education Advisory Council hosts its Engage Your Village event. We will be at Anderson Court at 800 North 8th Street with food, games, music, prizes, and lots of fun! Drop in when you can from 4-6 pm.

Everyone is invited to this community-wide event. See you there! 💙🌪️💙

7 months ago, Paducah Public Schools

Blue and white flyer for Paducah Public Schools with an image of a house. Text invites to "Engage Your Village" on March 25.

Congratulations to our Paducah Area Technical Center Students of the Month for January 2026!

Auto Tech - Ryder Jones - Not pictured
Auto Body- Gabe Tharp
Welding - Parker L. Woodford
Carpentry- Stokelyn Davis
Health Science- Leilani Maze
Medicaid Nurse Aide - Alana Key
Computer Science- Jakob Guajardo -Not Pictured
Media Art- Grace Robinson - Not Pictured

8 months ago, Paducah Public Schools

A person holds a blue sign saying "Student of the Month" at Paducah Area Technology Center.

A person in a green hoodie holding a blue plaque that reads "Paducah Area Technology Center Student of the Month".

A woman holds a blue sign that reads "Paducah Area Technology Center Student of the Month" in a workshop.

Person holding a sign with "Student of the Month" in blue and white letters. Sign reads "Paducah Area Technology Center" and "Paducah Innovation Hub".

Person in glasses holding blue sign with "Paducah Area Technology Center Student of the Month" text.

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.