Marshall County High School teacher recognized for KCTCS award

Jessi Randall receives Pathfinder of the Year Award from West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Paducah, KY (04/25/2025) — Jessi Randall, an English languages teacher at Marshall County High School, was honored with a 2025 KCTCS Pathfinder Award for her dedication to student success. The award, established by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, recognizes one teacher or counselor each year selected in each of the system's 16 college service areas. Each of the local winners will be considered for a statewide Pathfinder of the Year award.

Randall was surprised with the presentation of the award during a special ceremony in her classroom on April 24 by representatives from West Kentucky Community and Technical College.

"I have always wanted to be able to change the world in whatever small way I can," said Randall. "For me, that means helping my students navigate life and figure out what their mission is: be it college or career."

Randall is a graduate of Lone Oak High School, continued her education at WKCTC before moving on to Murray State University, where she earned a B.A. and M.F.A. In all she has been teaching for nine years, three of which have been at Marshall County High School. She teaches Creative Writing at the school to sophomore classes.

"It is wonderful, as an educator, to be recognized for the guidance that I am able to give my students because it shows that I am making a difference somewhere," said Randall. "I know I can't change the whole world, but I am doing my best to better the world around me."

Marcy Sutton, a colleague at MCHS, nominated Randall. "Jessi is quick to remind students that four year colleges are not the only option - and that they have a very good option right in their backyard at WKCTC," she said in her nomination."

Randall received a specially designed award along with a prize package at the recognition ceremony held in her classroom.

For more information, visit Pathfinder Award.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) has been recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 10 Community College five times by the Aspen Institute and has been named a Finalist with Distinction three times. Offering more than 200 degree, diploma, and certificate options, WKCTC has been consistently recognized for providing students with vital job training and continuing higher education opportunities, for achieving high completion and transfer rates, and for providing strong employment results for its graduates. For more information, visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu

Media Attachments

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Left to right: MCHS Principal Shannon Solomon, MCHS Assistant Principal Leah Beth, Marcy Sutton (who nominated Jessi), Jessi Randall, WKCTC Dean of Enrollment Tammy Maines, WKCTC Manager of Enrollment Services Keith Latta, Meena Wood, Marshall County District Literacy Consultant, and Marshall County Assistant Superintendent Chris Mason.