Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County School system recently announced the names of the first class of the Butler County School's Hall of Fame. Butler Co. Schools Hall of Fame 2023-24  Inaugural Class will be recognized and an induction ceremony will be held Feb. 2-3 , 2024 @ Butler Co. High School. 

Friday, Feb. 2nd, BCHS will host a varsity doubleheader basketball game vs Grayson County. Lady Bears game is a 6pm tipoff; immediately at the conclusion of the girls game a recognition ceremony will be held introducing the first ever Hall of Fame Class at midcourt.

Then followed on Saturday, Feb. 3rd  the Hall of Fame weekend continues; at Butler Co. High School library Reception will begin at 5pm, a meet and greet, and refreshments. 

At 5:45 pm we will move to the BCHS Auditorium for the induction ceremony which will begin at 6:00pm. Superintendent Robert Tuck will be the Master of Ceremonies. 

Saturday's  reception and ceremony is free and open to the public. 

Charlie Black

Charlie Black was the first band director at Butler County High School. For 33 years, he shared his love of music and community with his students. He mentored them not only in the elements of music but also in life. Over three decades, the bands' performances were enjoyed by all in the community, whether at football halftime shows, area parades, concerts, church events, or our local nursing home. His love for community stretched into his involvement in city government. In 1972, he was appointed Mayor of Morgantown. He served as Mayor for 34 years. Charlie steered the acquisition and development of the land for the city park and persuaded many local companies to donate playground equipment. He wanted everyone to have a place to enjoy playing tennis, swimming, or watching a little league baseball game. He was instrumental in the park's beginning of the Green River Catfish Festival. As band director during this time, the band first sold barbecue chickens; eventually, the menu switched to fish, and the event became the Catfish Festival. 

Each year, the annual July 4th fireworks became his challenge to ensure Morgantown had one of the best displays in the area. As Mayor, he also worked very hard on economic development. His efforts led to several large companies locating in Butler County, and those companies certainly had a very enduring impact during their time of operation. Charlie also served as Chairman of the Board at Kentuckiana Children's Center. As chairman, he raised awareness of how chiropractic care assisted children with special needs. His motto for life was "The World Wants Results, Not Excuses," he truly meant every word and strived to hold himself, his students, and his family to that motto. A native of Cherryville, North Carolina, Charlie lived in Morgantown with his family until his passing in 2012.

Keith Butler – 

Keith Butler played baseball for Butler County High School From 2004-2007 and was coached by Derek Proctor. Keith excelled on the field during his career, setting several single-season and career records that still stand. Keith still holds the record for Best Batting Avg. in a season .617 (#3 on state records), Best Batting Avg. for a career .447(#14 on state records), Most doubles for a career 48(#9 on state records), Most triples in a season 7( #7 on state records), Most triple for a career 17( #3 on state records), Best E.R.A in a season 0.84, Best E.R.A for a career 1.35 (#5 on state records), Most Strikes-outs in a season 158 (#6 on state records), Most Strikeouts for a career 426(#9 on state records), Most career wins 48( #2 on State Record), Most Single Season Wins 14 (#3 on state record), Most R.B.I.S in a Season 38, and Most Career No Hitters 5 (#2 on State Records).

After graduating from Butler County High School, Keith attended Wabash Valley from 2008-2009, where he was named to the All-Conference Team both years. Keith was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009 in the 24th round with a professional playing career that saw him receive several honors. Keith was selected as 2009 Cardinals Nation Reliever of the Year, 2011 Cardinals Nation Reliever of the Year, 2012 Mid and Postseason All Stars, and played in the 2012 Arizona Fall League. On June 1, 2013, Keith made his Major League Debut and was part of the 2013 National League Championship Team.  

Keith Butler continues to give back to the Butler County Baseball Team as he has been on the coaching staff from 2016 to the present.  

Frank Cardwell – 

Frank Cardwell was raised in Morgantown, KY, and has proudly

claimed to be a member of Butler County High School's class of 1959. Frank said, "Being raised in Morgantown and graduating from BCHS has always been a blessing to me in my journey through life." His father was a coal miner, and his mother worked in a sewing factory. Frank stated he never felt superior or inferior to anyone, which served him well while spending 50 years in education. He found he could compete well on the athletic field or in the classroom. A special group of mentors greatly impacted Frank throughout his high school career. Bill Warren (his basketball coach), Darrell Hampton (his baseball coach), his high

school principal (Forrest West), and the superintendent at that time (Paul

Hampton) all played significant roles in his life.

Frank attended Tennessee Tech on a basketball scholarship, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education. He later received his Master's degree and Rank 1 at Western Kentucky University. Frank played professional baseball for two years and was in education for 50 years….17 years as a basketball coach, 11 years as an assistant principal, and 30 years as principal …all at the high school level. Frank was elected to serve on the Kentucky High School Atheltic Association board of controls for 8 years while serving 1 year as vice president and 1 year as president.

Frank has been married to his wife, Janet, since 1963 and has three children and six grandchildren. He resides in Franklin, KY, and serves as an elder at the Franklin church of Christ, where he has been a member for 54 years.

CheyAnne Gaskey Ludovissie – 

CheyAnne Ludovissie (Gaskey) played for Butler County High School from 2008-2011. Early in her playing career, CheyAnne began her lifelong love of softball, playing slowpitch softball until continuing her playing career under John Embry as a middle schooler. Here, CheyAnne started her journey to become an elite Fastpitch Pitcher, leading her to success at both the High School and Collegiate Levels. At Butler County High School, CheyAnne played all four years, pitching almost every game of her career. CheyAnne's dominance on the softball field led her to end her career 3rd for season wins at 36 and 4th for Career Strikeouts at 1,545. This success continued to the collegiate level where CheyAnne signed and played for the Murray State University Racers from 2012-2015 as they established the new softball Program. While at MSU, CheyAnne and her team made Ohio Valley Conference appearances all four years, during which time CheyAnne earned several honors and accolades. CheyAnne finished her career tied for first single game strikeouts - 14; Career Most Saves - 11, Tied most strikeouts looking - 147, 2nd most wins - 57, and 2nd most Strikeouts- 490.

After graduating from Murray State University, CheyAnne married her husband, Jordan, and had a son Dax. CheyAnne continued her love of the game, coaching at Marshall Co High School for five years and giving private lessons. CheyAnne now enjoys watching her son Dax learn to love sports just like she did at a young age.  

Sherri Phelps - 

Dr. Sherri Kay Phelps, the daughter of Roy and Mae Phelps, proudly belongs to the Butler County High School Class of 1980. She has forged a distinguished career as a professional opera singer and dedicated voice teacher, backed by a formidable educational background. Dr. Phelps holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Kentucky, a Master's in Voice from The Juilliard School, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Kentucky University. In her pursuit of excellence, Dr. Phelps received vocal training under the guidance of esteemed mentors Gail Robinson and Beverly Peck Johnson and honed her acting skills under the tutelage of Janet Scott. Her career has seen her grace the opera stages both in the United States and Europe, most notably, performances at the Hayden Festival in Austria, Casalmaggiore International Music Festival in Italy, and alongside the San Jose Chamber Orchestra as part of the music at the Mission Concert Series. Sharing her expertise with aspiring vocalists, Dr. Phelps has dedicated 34 years to teaching voice at the collegiate level. Currently, she imparts her knowledge to Eastern Kentucky University and Asbury University students. Throughout her journey, she remains deeply appreciative of the exceptional teachers who influenced her upbringing in Morgantown, with special gratitude reserved for Mary Alice Black, Addie Wade, Ernest Shelton, Sylvia Abell, and David Hunt. She cherishes the unwavering love and support extended to her by the people of Butler County. Every summer, Dr. Phelps returns home, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to engage musically with children from The Butler County Boys & Girls Club at Aberdeen Baptist Church. Currently, she calls Lexington her home, where she shares her life with her husband, Ronaldus Hermanus Van Uden.

Tyler Reed –

Tyler Reed is a 2007 graduate of Butler County High School. In 2002, he was the founding member of the Butler County High School swim team. He became Butler County's first KHSAA State Swimming Champion in 2006, winning the 200-yard freestyle. Tyler accumulated three KHSAA State Championship titles, winning the 100 and 200 Yard Freestyle in 2007 and setting a KHSAA record in the 200 Freestyle with a record time 1:38.72. Tyler earned four NISCA High School All-American honors while at BCHS. 

Tyler went on to compete collegiately at the University of Kentucky. As a Wildcat, he was named a 12-time NCAA Division 1 All-American. He capped off his collegiate career with a 5th place finish in the 100 Freestyle at the 2012 NCAA Division 1 Championships. While in college, Tyler attended the USA Olympic Trials in 2008 & 2012, earning a top 20 finish in 2012. Tyler's other National level highlights include a 5th-place finish at the 2012 US Open in the 100-meter freestyle. 

Tyler earned a spot on the 2012 Short Course World Championship team, where he represented the United States in Istanbul, Turkey, swimming alongside five Olympic Gold Medalists and winning a World Championship Gold Medal in the 4x100 Freestyle Relay. Tyler capped off his International Swimming Career in 2013, again representing the USA at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia. 

Richard Wan – 

Dr. Richard T. C. Wan came to Morgantown in the last part of 1965 and opened his medical office in January 1966. He practiced medicine in Morgantown for 48 years until his retirement. Not only did Dr. Wan practice his craft, but he gave back to the community that he calls home. He volunteered as the sports physician for many years for the sports teams and did the sports physicals for free. Dr. Wan sponsored the DARE program when there was a chapter in Butler County. Over the years, he has funded scholarships for students and helped buy books and clothing so they could go to school. He organized special events to assist those in need, like the Head Start Christmas Party he sponsored for many years. He has helped countless people that no one ever knows about. He encourages students to work hard, study, and get a good education through the years and even now. He remembers growing up in China and Hong Kong during the war when he was a boy and how hard it was to get a good education. His grandmother and his parents encouraged him to get an education. He has retired from his medical practice but still volunteers and serves on different boards to give back to his community.

Bill Warren – 

Following Graduation and a successful basketball career at McHenry High School in Ohio County, Kentucky, Bill Warren served a tour of duty in the United States Army. After returning home from the Army, Coach Warren attended Western Kentucky University, where he pursued his degree and played basketball under legendary Coach Ed Diddle. Coach Warren's relationship with Western lasted many years, with his son Billy also playing at Western after playing high school basketball under Coach Warren at Butler County High. 

Coach Warren coached for 21 years and 15 years in Butler County from 1952-1967. He collected 353 wins in his career, with 277 as the coach of Butler County. As the coach of Butler County, he had 5 District Championships, 5 District runners-up, and 6 Regional runners-up. Coach Warren dedicated his coaching career to developing high school boys into young men through demanding discipline, high expectations, and dedication. Coach Warren's coaching style was very effective not only in the area of wins on the basketball floor, but he has had an impact on students throughout western and central Kentucky. After pursuing their basketball-playing dreams in college, many of Coach Warren's players returned home to become highly successful and respected school administrators across Kentucky. Coach Warren's former players also succeeded in many fields, such as lawyers, bankers, and business owners. One of Coach Warren's players came very close to becoming Governor of Kentucky. It's very evident that Coach Warren not only taught basketball and winning, but he also developed leaders.  

 Doug Van Fleet

 Douglas Van Fleet, son of Fred and Ruth Van Fleet, was born in Huntsville, KY. He attended Butler County High School and began formal music training on trumpet under Charles Black. In 1959, he entered Western Kentucky University, where he studied trumpet with Bennie Beach, Sr.

Upon completing his undergraduate work in 1963, he accepted a band and choir position at Allen County High School. While doing graduate work at Western, he organized and directed the band and choir program at Scottsville High School. In 1969, he accepted a position at Somerset High School as band and choir director. While in Somerset, Van Fleet was appointed conductor of the Somerset Civic Orchestra. In 1976, he accepted a position at Paducah Tilghman High School as band and orchestra director and continued at Tilghman until 1992, retiring from the public school system after 29 years of service. In the Fall of 1992, a music program was established at St. Mary High School in Paducah where he became the band, orchestra, and choir director.

During his 45+ years career, Van Fleet’s bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles were often selected to perform for the Kentucky Music Educators Association Conference. They received national and international recognition for their excellence. He served on the KMEA Board of Directors for many years and was chairperson for the Kentucky All-State Orchestra on two occasions. He founded the Paducah Symphony Orchestra and the Paducah Concert Band and continued to serve on their boards for many years. As a part of his dedication to music education and community service, he served as conductor of the Paducah Youth Orchestra program.

Van Fleet’s family includes wife, Mary Jane, daughter, Angie (Principal of Sharp Elementary School in Marshall County, KY), son, Joseph (trumpet teacher at Eastern Kentucky University and Campbellsville University), and son, Aaron (history major at the University of Kentucky after serving the U.S. Army as an MP and Army recruiter). He has two grandchildren, Chloe and Parker.

Jimmy Stamper

Jimmy Stamper, Butler County High School Class of 1980, excelled in Track and Field. Jimmy is the first-ever BCHS student to win a Kentucky High School Atheltic Association State Championship. In the spring of 1980, Stamper won two individual state titles. Class A State Champion in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.20. He also was the Class A State Champion in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 38.60.

Hall of Fame inductees or family members will be invited to the Butler County /Grayson Co. Doubleheader Basketball game on Friday, February 2. Inductees will be recognized in between games that night at mid-court.  

 An induction ceremony is set for Saturday, February 3 at BCHS for a 5 p.m. start with reception, and the ceremony is to begin at 6 p.m.