Pictured above: Tripp Taylor, one of 15 recipients of the inaugural Bulldog Pride Award.

Union Commonwealth University proudly presented the first-ever Bulldog Pride Awards on Tuesday, November 26, during Barbourville Elementary School’s monthly assembly.

The Bulldog Pride Award was created earlier this year by Union Commonwealth University Interim President, Dr. DJ Washington, in partnership with Barbourville Independent Schools Superintendent Dennis Messer, a 1994 alumnus of Union.

“We are really excited about this initiative because it’s a way to recognize students who embody the core qualities of loyalty, tenacity, and resilience — traits that define Bulldogs,” said Dr. Washington.

The monthly assembly, which traditionally celebrates student accomplishments such as Student of the Month and perfect attendance, welcomed the Bulldog Pride Award as an additional way to honor students’ hard work and character.

Recipients are selected by Barbourville Independent Schools, ensuring that students from kindergarten through fifth grade who exemplify these Bulldog traits receive recognition.

The inaugural recipients were as follows:

Kindergarten–2nd Grade

• Cash Young (K. Thompson’s homeroom)
• Parker Trent (H. Holbrook’s homeroom)
• Hendrix Martin (J. Helton’s homeroom)
• Kotah Younger (J. Barrett’s homeroom)
• Karter Gray (W. Bruce’s homeroom)
• Samuel Mills (S. Robbins’ homeroom)
• Jaxon McQueen (D. Warren’s homeroom)
• Chrislyn Buttery (J. Garrison’s homeroom)

3rd–5th Grade

• Gavin Hensley (L. Robinson’s homeroom)
• Charles Hendrickson (B. Scott’s homeroom)
• Bryson Mills (A. Hall’s homeroom)
• Tripp Taylor (C. Clouse’s homeroom)
• Rebekah Hensley (A. Hensley’s homeroom)
• Kayden Rucker (M. Baker’s homeroom)
• Olivia Harris (T. Wagers’ homeroom)

Principal Andi Hillard, a 2008 Union graduate, shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration.

“I am so thankful to Dr. Washington for reaching out about starting the Bulldog Pride Awards here at Barbourville Elementary. A chance for us to collaborate to promote hardworking, kind, and full-of-grit students was a pleasure for our teachers.”

Hillard also expressed her personal connection to the program.

“Being a former Bulldog, I was overjoyed to connect our two communities through this program. I have always said, I am a forever Bulldog, as well as a Tiger.”

Dr. Washington, who attended the event and took photos with each recipient, encouraged students to embrace confidence and diligence.

“Some of us are different, are unique, and we have to be confident in ourselves,” Dr. Washington said. “Being confident and practicing hard work are important values to carry with you throughout life.”

Barbourville Independent Schools is the pilot for this program, but Dr. Washington hopes to expand the Bulldog Pride Award to other schools in Knox County.

“My vision is to begin with elementary-age students and, if successful, expand the award to include middle and high school students,” he said. “I believe this initiative has the potential to inspire young learners and celebrate the values that make our community strong.”