Chamber holds annual awards banquet

2026 Small Business of the Year - The Vine Early Learning Center The Vine Early Learning Center is proudly owned by Macy Updike, Dorothy Fugate and Emily Spencer, three women who share a passion for early childhood education and a strong commitment to serving children and families in their community. Together, they strive to create a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment where every child feels loved, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Their goal is to provide children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning by encouraging curiosity, creativity, confidence and independence through meaningful learning experiences and play. They understand that choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and they are honored that so many families trust them to care for their children during these precious early years. The Vine is proud to be part of a community that supports and invests in its children and families. The owners believe that strong communities begin with strong foundations, and they are grateful for the opportunity to play a part in helping the next generation learn, grow and succeed. The support of their families and community means so much to them and inspires them to continue doing what they love every day. Macy, Dorothy and Emily are incredibly proud of what The Vine Early Learning Center represents and the meaningful relationships they have built along the way. Being nominated for the 2026 Small Business of the Year Award is a tremendous honor and a meaningful reminder of the importance of their work and the lasting impact that quality early childhood education can have on a community. They are grateful to serve the families in their community and look forward to continuing to help children grow, learn, and flourish for years to come.

2026 Non - Profit of the Year - Gateway Children's Services Founded in 1981, Gateway Children’s Services has spent 45 years providing safety, healing and hope for children and families. Based in Mt. Sterling, this nonprofit organization strengthens families, supports individuals facing mental illness or addiction, enhances parenting skills and helps children grow in safe, nurturing environments. Gateway provides residential treatment and emergency shelter, therapeutic foster care and adoption, outpatient behavioral health services and community programs that help families navigate challenges before they become crises. Through partnerships with schools, local organizations, volunteers and donors, Gateway connects children and families with practical resources and caring support. In 2024–2025, Gateway served 905 individuals and provided more than 17,000 hours of therapy. Behind those numbers are meaningful milestones: a child finding a permanent family, a young person graduating or a parent gaining the skills and confidence to build a stronger home. As Gateway celebrates its 45th anniversary, its work reflects a lasting commitment to the community and the belief that every child deserves safety, belonging, and the opportunity to thrive.

2026 Stellar Student  - Sophia Fouch Sophia is an outstanding representative of Montgomery County High School and an excellent choice for the 2026 Chamber Stellar Student. She has distinguished herself through academic excellence, leadership, involvement, and a genuine commitment to her school and community. Academically, Sophia has maintained an exceptional 4.39 GPA while consistently challenging herself with rigorous coursework. She has completed seven Advanced Placement courses, earning passing scores on five AP exams, and is currently enrolled in an additional AP course along with four dual credit courses. Her academic achievement and commitment to growth were further demonstrated through her selection and participation in the Governor’s Scholars Program this past summer. Sophia’s accomplishments also extend into the broader community. She was named First Runner-Up in the Montgomery County Distinguished Young Women program, where she earned numerous accolades and scholarships in recognition of her academic achievement, leadership, talent and character. This accomplishment further reflects the well-rounded excellence and poise she demonstrates in everything she pursues. Sophia’s impact at MCHS extends well beyond the classroom. She is a student-athlete who participates in both volleyball and girls basketball and has emerged as a leader on both teams. She is also actively involved in Y-Club, HOSA, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Spanish Club. Through these experiences, Sophia has demonstrated an ability to balance significant responsibilities while remaining committed to the organizations, teams and people around her. What makes Sophia particularly deserving of this recognition is the way she represents the qualities we strive to develop in every MCHS student. She embodies The MCHS Effect through the positive impact she has on our school and exemplifies our Profile of a Learner competencies as an effective communicator, engaged citizen, productive collaborator, empowered learner, resourceful problem solver and creative contributor. Last year, Sophia also participated in Mrs. Lawson’s Leadership Lunches, where she thoughtfully shared the student perspective and provided meaningful feedback about our school. Her willingness to engage in those conversations demonstrated maturity, confidence and a sincere desire to make MCHS better for others. Sophia is not simply a high-achieving student; she is a well-rounded young leader who uses her talents, voice and opportunities to positively influence those around her. Her academic accomplishments, leadership, character and commitment to her school and community make her an exceptional representative of Montgomery County High School and a highly deserving nominee for the 2026 Chamber Stellar Student.

2026 Distinguished Citizen of the Year - Lucile Hardin Lucile Hardin is a native of Mt. Sterling and seventh generation Montgomery Countian. Was the wife of Bill Hardin, and the mother of one daughter, Nancy Catherine Hardin Hall and grandmother of three granddaughters and three great-grandchildren . That alone makes her feel very blessed. Educated in Mt Sterling and Montgomery County Public Schools, she grew up as a product of farm life. Lucile earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Morehead State University and a school social work certification through the University of Kentucky. After teaching 30 years for the Mt. Sterling and Montgomery County Schools, her last 23 years have been spent in the real estate business. Though her presence has not been as visible in the last four years, she continues to be licensed and refers and consults. She is a long-time member of the First Baptist Church and has served in many roles over the years. She is a member of the Montgomery County Historical Society and the Kentucky Historical Society, The Jemima Johnson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a charter member of the Montgomery County Residential Rental Association, formed to improve the conditions of the rental business community through education and support. Lucile spends her leisure time with family, as well as researching and preserving local history, presenting programs on local historical figures, history of the homes in the area and genealogy research. She is very proud to call Montgomery County home.

Director of the Year - Carrie Rogers Carrie Rogers is passionate about serving others and strengthening community connections in Montgomery County. She works at NewSong Counseling Center, where she combines her financial expertise with her heart for helping people. With a background in financial management Carrie brings both skill and dedication to every role she serves. She is proud to call Montgomery County home and looks forward to many years of contributing to the community.

Aisan, an automotive parts manufacturer and community partner, was named 2026 Outstanding Industry at the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet Oct. 22 at the Clay Community Center.

2026 Chamber President - Brady Shultz Brady Shultz is Associate Vice President of Marketing at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. He is a University of Kentucky graduate, and is active in his community. In addition to the Mt. Sterling Montgomery County Chamber, Brady currently serves on several additional local boards, including Leadership Montgomery County, Montgomery County Extension Service, Gateway Community Action and the Mt. Sterling/Montgomery County Community Fund. In his spare time, he enjoys live music, food, technology, photography and road trips with his friends and family.

Christopher Miller took the stage at the annual chamber awards banquet. Miller becomes chamber president for 2027. Miller is the director of MSU at Mt. Sterling.

The JROTC Color Guard from Montgomery County High School during the flag presentation/pledge at the chamber banquet. Mt. Sterling Mayor Al Botts, at the podium, looks on.

Tony Douthitt sang multiple patriotic songs at the banquet.

Jarrett Millsaps, president of CommonSpirit Saint Joseph Health Mount Sterling, addressed the crowd at the chamber banquet. The banquet featured a Starts, Stripes and Chamber Nights America 250 theme and was presented by CommonSpirit Saint Joseph Health.

Vanessa Tuttle, former president of the chamber, also spoke.

Dressed in period costume, Chris Cockrell, Jonathan Wood, Tracy Pearce, Barry Frazier and Chris Follett acted out a scene during a skit at the chamber banquet. The skit was written by Barry Frazier. Frazier is president of the Montgomery County Historical Society and Mt. Sterling Market President, Community Trust Bank.

2026 Educator of Excellence - Dr. Matthew Thompson (He was not present at the banquet). Dr. Matthew Thompson has been the Superintendent of Montgomery County Schools since the 2015-2016 school year. He took the helm during a very tumultuous time. He faced hiring new central office staff, a major renovation project and a financial crisis stemming from overspending and lower enrollment. During his tenure, he has rebuilt the broken systems he inherited and reversed overspending so that the school district now boasts a fund balance of approximately 9 percent. Dr. Thompson’s 11-year tenure as Superintendent of Montgomery County Schools is defined by a commitment that extends far beyond our school district's borders. While his local leadership is exemplary, his most significant professional accomplishment lies in his development and mentoring of both new and future superintendents, as well as in his advocacy for public education. Dr. Thompson has become a vital bridge between leadership theory and the practice of superintendence. As a result, Dr. Thompson spends numerous hours every year teaching new superintendents for the Kentucky Association of School Administrators’ New Superintendents’ Academy. His passion for developing leaders and advocating for public education is commendable. As a lead facilitator for KASA’s Superintendent onboarding academy, Dr. Thompson teaches year-long classes for incoming superintendents. His mentorship provides: Practical Wisdom: Moving beyond theory to help new leaders navigate the political and operational hurdles of the role. Sustainability: Reducing burnout among new executives by building a community of support. In addition to his support of new superintendents, he is a fierce advocate for public education. He is at the forefront of current public education issues, ranging from adequately funding school districts to proposed legislation. He works closely with legislators to provide not only a voice for Montgomery County Schools, but also for school districts across Kentucky. For example, in the current legislative session, Dr. Thompson testified in support of Senate Bill 162. In addition, he is leading a “childcare task force” in Montgomery County, comprised of our local senator and state Representative, the Chamber of Commerce Director, the Gateway Development Director, local industry leaders, local daycare providers and school personnel. The purpose of this task force is to help address the child care gap in our community, which keeps many qualified people from entering the workforce. The impact of Dr. Thompson’s work is felt in the halls of Frankfort and the classrooms of Kentucky alike. By advocating for public education and mentoring leaders, he is helping to secure the future of the Kentucky public school system. Perhaps Dr. Thompson’s most lasting legacy is his investment in people. Recognizing that the role of a superintendent is increasingly complex, he has dedicated himself to ensuring no new leader walks the path alone. His career serves as a model of how a superintendent can lead locally while influencing globally.