Owsley County Schools honor Haley Sandlin, Cathy Mayes for extra effort

Haley Sandlin and Cathy Mayes were recognized at the June 9 Owsley County Board of Education meeting as Owsley County Schools’ Above and Beyond Award recipients for the 2025-26 school year. District leaders said both women consistently go the extra mile for students, staff and schools, honoring the behind-the-scenes work that helps a small school system function smoothly.

The recognition put names and faces to the kind of daily effort that often goes unnoticed in Booneville and across Owsley County. In a district where schools serve as major community anchors, the award was presented as a public thank-you for the people who solve problems quickly, build relationships and step in when extra help is needed. The district said Sandlin and Mayes have a positive impact every day, not just in one classroom or office, but across the broader school culture.

The June honor also fits into a larger pattern of appreciation inside Owsley County Schools. On March 10, the district launched Soaring With the Owls, a staff-recognition effort built to highlight employees whose dedication, kindness and hard work help lift the district higher every day. The nomination form was set to remain open year-round, allowing staff members to be recognized whenever their work stands out.

That broader approach showed up again as the school year wound down, when administrators and Food Service staff prepared and served a meal for all employees while celebrating staff members for years of dedicated service. Together, those gestures reflect a district culture that tries to make sure adult contributions do not disappear in the rush to end-of-year student events.

For Owsley County Schools, the award to Sandlin and Mayes was more than a ceremonial nod. It was a reminder that stability in a small district depends on the people who show up, stay steady and do the extra work that families and coworkers notice every day.