Henderson City High School Class of 1967

Roy M. “Corky” Taylor III was born into a military family where he spent his early childhood surfing the shores of Hawaii. His father, Lieutenant Colonel Roy Taylor Jr., also known as “Ace,” was stationed there. After Ace’s retirement, the Taylors moved back to their hometown, Henderson, Kentucky. Corky’s great-grandfather and Founder of the original KY Peerless Distillery, Henry Kraver, first planted roots there. Not long after, Corky attended Castle Heights Military Academy where he roomed with two boys who would come to be known as the Allman brothers. 

After completing his college degree at Murray State University on a golf scholarship and marrying his wife Jamia, they had three children: Shane, Kendi and Carson. He took on diverse roles in businesses such as car dealerships, restaurants and insurance, but Corky was notably the Founder, President and CEO of BENCOR Inc., a financial services company that specialized in pension plans. BENCOR was “the definition of an industry leader,” stated Mark Skinner, U.S. Retirement Partners President and CEO upon the business’ sale in 2009. 

Retirement, though, was not in the cards for Corky. His character would not allow it. After an already accomplished career, Corky and his son Carson set out to resurrect their family legacy: they started from the ground up and revived the Kentucky Peerless brand. They spent countless hours poring over family history to bring their heritage back in a strong, respectful way. 

Corky’s great-grandfather was an innovator in the bourbon world, and Corky did not take the responsibility of reviving Peerless’s name lightly. When the family-owned brand was reestablished, he patiently waited for the Peerless whiskey to age, knowing he wanted to produce his own whiskey under his own roof. Peerless Rye Whiskey was the first to be introduced in 2017 and was immediately recognized nationwide. Then, as the Peerless Bourbon was released for the first time in over 100 years in 2019, it was named ‘Best Kentucky Bourbon’ in the World Whiskies Awards. Since then, Corky has never let quality suffer to quantity. The purpose of Peerless was to live up to the standards his great-grandfather set in 1889. 

Corky was inducted into Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® in 2024. The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant and transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness. 

Defined by integrity and honest work, Corky’s accomplishments are awarded to a deserving man – one that has worked, struggled, strived, and succeeded. His incredible success does not overshadow his character. He continues his goodwill in supporting his local community in both Louisville and Henderson, Kentucky. His personality shines as he happily and excitedly greets customers visiting the distillery. When you meet Corky Taylor, you make a friend for life.

Henderson County High School Class of 1990

Shannon Sandefur is the Executive Director of the Henderson County Public Library and has devoted more than 23 years to supporting literacy, lifelong learning, and community connection through public libraries. A 1990 graduate of Henderson County High School, Shannon’s leadership and dedication have made her a trusted and respected figure in both her hometown and across Kentucky.

After graduating from HCHS, Shannon earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Brescia University and later her Master of Library Science from Texas Woman’s University. Her education and passion for helping others led her to a career focused on building strong, inclusive, and forward-thinking library services.

As Executive Director, Shannon has worked to ensure that the Henderson County Public Library remains a welcoming space where everyone can learn, explore, and connect. Under her leadership, the library has expanded its programs, updated its spaces, and strengthened its role as a community gathering place. Her focus on innovation and collaboration has helped make the library a vital part of daily life in Henderson County.

Shannon’s involvement in the community goes well beyond the library. She serves on the Education, Workforce, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Rotary Club board. She also serves as president of the Ohio Valley Art League, where she helps promote local artists and bring creative opportunities to the region.

Over the years, Shannon has also given her time to organizations that address local needs and wellbeing. She served four years on the United Way Community Impact Committee and was a member of the Inner City Committee for Mental Wellness. A proud graduate of the Henderson Leadership Initiative, Shannon continues to work with others who share her goal of strengthening the community she calls home.

Her leadership also extends across the state through her work with the Kentucky Public Library Association. Shannon chairs the Continuing Education Committee and serves on the Conference Committee, helping to provide training, support, and connection for library professionals throughout Kentucky. Her efforts have made a meaningful difference in how libraries across the state serve their communities.

In recognition of her professional achievements and community service, Shannon was named one of the Evansville Junior League’s Top 20 Women of 2024. The honor reflects her impact as a leader, mentor, and advocate for lifelong learning and public service.

Shannon is married to her high school sweetheart, Brian, and together they have two grown children. She remains deeply connected to Henderson County and proud of the roots that began at Henderson County High School. Through her leadership, kindness, and commitment to others, Shannon continues to inspire those around her and make a lasting difference in her community and beyond.

Henderson County High School Class of 2001

Since as early as he can remember, Scott has been obsessed with understanding how things work. He loved to take things apart and was just as excited to receive a broken old telephone or radio as he was to receive a brand-new toy. As he got older, he wasn’t just satisfied with understanding how things work, but also wanted to make things better. This desire has driven his entire academic and professional career. Watching his grandfather deteriorate from and ultimately succumb to dementia, was something that had a profound effect on him. Unfortunately, his mother is now affected by the same disease, and he is doing what he can to help others avoid the same fate. In 2018, he worked with colleagues to start a company, Auragent Bioscience, LLC (now called Brightest Bio) where he leads a team of engineers, programmers, and scientists to build advanced testing platforms that enable biomedical researchers and clinicians to measure important proteins involved in disease, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. The goal is to better understand disease to ultimately be able to prevent and treat these diseases while also enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis.

Scott was born in Henderson, KY in 1983 to Dr. Larry and Cathy Crick. His sister, Sarah, was born in 1987. Any success he has realized to date would not have been possible without the unwavering love and support of his family whom he adores. Scott attended elementary school at East Heights and Holy Name, junior high at North, and high school at Henderson County High School where he graduated valedictorian in 2001. Scott played soccer throughout his youth and was a proud member of the HCHS varsity soccer team for several years. Scott was always interested in science, but started to become particularly interested in physics, chemistry, and human biology as he progressed through his schooling in Henderson County. He had a tremendous amount of support from so many teachers throughout his entire educational experience in Henderson.

Upon graduation from HCHS, Scott enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. In addition to classwork, he also performed academic research throughout his undergraduate career, and he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2005. He decided to pursue a PhD at Washington University and was awarded a research fellowship by the National Science Foundation to do so. In his graduate work, Scott focused on understanding why proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s misbehave and cause disease. Following his graduate work, he continued working specifically on Alzheimer’s disease research at Washington University under a postdoctoral fellowship from the NIH. His research has resulted in numerous journal publications and a book chapter. Scott still lives in St. Louis, MO with his precious wife, Anna Bone, wonderful daughter, Rachel, and sweet little dogs, Hammy and Hazel.

Henderson County High School Class of 2008

Kelsey Hargis is a native of Henderson, Kentucky, a dedicated public servant, banker, and entrepreneur committed to fostering community and growth. She currently holds the position of Community Enrichment Officer at Independence Bank, where she works with nonprofits, local businesses, and civic organizations. Kelsey’s work embodies her belief that leadership is not only about holding office, it's about leading by example, and investing time, energy, and care into the people and places that define a community.

In addition to her professional role, Kelsey also serves Henderson as a City Commissioner. Earning the most votes she holds the title of Mayor Pro Tem, and is the only woman serving on commission. Her focus on progress and community-driven development underscores her belief that Henderson’s success is rooted in shared effort and vision.

Kelsey’s leadership and volunteer efforts extend across multiple community organizations. She is the Chair-Elect for the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Rotaract, and active member of the Downtown Henderson Partnership Committee, HNS Alumni Committee, Inner City Economic Development Committee, and Rotary. Kelsey also serves as Treasurer for Bluegrass in the Park, a festival that has been named the Southeast’s “Top 20 Signature Events.” In recognition of her impact and leadership, Kelsey was honored as a “20 Under 40” recipient in Henderson, joining a distinguished group of young professionals making a difference in the region.

Beyond her public and civic roles, Kelsey assists with the family bourbon business. Her husband Zeb, and brother in law Zach co-founded Silk Velvet Whiskey, a revival of the historic Henderson bourbon originally crafted in 1880. Their work pays tribute to the region’s bourbon legacy while infusing new energy into Henderson’s entrepreneurial landscape.

A graduate of Henderson County High School 08’, University of Southern Indiana 12’, and Henderson Leadership Initiative 19’, Kelsey remains deeply committed to guiding Henderson into its next chapter-one that honors the past, invests in the present, and embraces bold ideas for the future.