Alum Brett Pritchett, from CCHS valedictorian to community leader

When Brett Pritchett looks back on his time at Christian County High School, he sees more than memories, he sees the foundation that shaped the rest of his life and his career.

Growing up in Crofton and graduating as one of four valedictorians in 2000, he says CCHS gave him the base he needed to pursue his goals with confidence.

Throughout high school, Pritchett stayed deeply involved. He was active in the academic team, theater, Beta Club, National Honor Society, the speech team and even played tennis. He says he intentionally kept himself busy, wanting to challenge himself academically and become a well-rounded student.

Pritchett says it was the teachers and support staff, who made the greatest impact. He recalls several educators who shaped his path, from science teachers who pushed him outside his comfort zone to the guidance counselor who served as a steady supporter.

After graduating from CCHS, Pritchett began studying broadcast journalism at Western Kentucky University, inspired by his journalism classes at CCHS. However, college led him to new academic interests. He eventually shifted his focus, majoring in religion and later working in ministry before returning to Hopkinsville in 2006.

His move back home led him into education, a career he hadn’t originally planned. Pritchett spent two years teaching at Heritage Christian Academy and then fifteen years at University Heights Academy, primarily as a history teacher. He says he realized almost immediately that the classroom was where he was meant to be.

After 17 years in the classroom, Prichett transitioned into museum education, working for two years as the Learning Coordinator at the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville–Christian County. He now works full-time with the Hopkinsville Rotary Club, where he oversees youth programs, scholarships and school-based initiatives. Next year, he will step into an even larger leadership role as Rotary auction chair, something he says feels like a natural continuation of the values he learned growing up.

Pritchett believes that the lessons he learned as a student, critical thinking, problem-solving and understanding different perspectives influence his work every day. As an alumnus, he still feels deeply connected to the school that helped shape him.

His advice to today’s students is simple: get involved. He encourages young people to step forward, seek opportunities and contribute in meaningful ways whether in school, community organizations or in their own circles.