Ginger Estes named high school principal

Last Thursday the Hancock County school district removed the interim tag from Ginger Estes’ name and hired her as the new principal of Hancock County High School. She replaces Ashley Gorman, who resigned earlier this spring to take a job in the private sector.

“I am extremely excited,” Estes said. “I look forward to a very productive year. I love these students.”

Estes came to Hancock County four years ago from Daviess County Middle School, where she taught for 12 years. At the time she taught English at DCMS, but just finished her principal certification classes from Western Kentucky University.

“The assistant principal job came open and I applied,” Estes said.

Four years later the principal job came open at hCHS so she applied for the position and received it. Estes called the interview process very rigorous.

“I felt they were looking for someone with a strong instructional and curriculum background,” Estes said.

With the interim tag removed, Estes shared her vision for the direction she wants to see the school go. Estes said she wants to continue to improve the school’s student transition readiness. Transition readiness refers to how prepared students are for either the workplace or for college.

“I would like our transition readiness to increase so our students can be successful whether they choose a college or a career,” Estes said. “Our continuing education vocational programs are phenomenal and I would like to see those (programs) to continue to develop.”

Though Estes worked in Daviess County for 12 years, and one year at Frederick Fraize High School in Cloverport, before coming to Hancock County, she is familiar with the county. Her husband Jeff is from here and has family in the community. This connection allowed her to visit the county, and to become attached to it.

“I love this community,” Estes said.

She and husband Jeff have two children, daughter Lauren and son Comanche. Lauren followed in her mother’s footsteps and is a teacher in Lexington, KY.

Estes attended Western Kentucky University for her undergrad work. She also received her master’s degree from Western as well as her principal certification.

By Ralph Dickerson