Taylor Co Schools Celebrates Black History Month 2026

Joseph Taylor, better known as “Chick,” is a 1966 graduate of Taylor County High School. He was actively involved in multiple athletic programs during his time there. A dedicated varsity basketball player for three years, he found his greatest success in Track and Field, where he earned his most notable accomplishments during his junior and senior seasons.

As a senior, Chick won the J.H. Ewing Award for the most cumulative points during a track meet. He placed first in the 100-, 220-, and 440-yard events. Unfortunately, due to the times, he was not allowed to take the podium to receive his award.

Chick went to work for L&N Railroad after graduating from high school. He then opted to enlist in the U.S. Army, and upon completing his military commitment, he returned home. Back home, Chick worked several jobs, including the Sheriff’s Department, before deciding to make a permanent career with the U.S. Military. He enlisted full-time with the Kentucky National Guard here in Campbellsville. He advanced to the position of Supply Sargent and served his country in that capacity until he retired.

Chick also served our community, acting as an umpire for the Campbellsville/Taylor County Summer Youth Programs. He umpired both baseball and softball and was involved in implementing the transition to “fast pitch” softball, a totally new concept at that time. He also umpired baseball at Campbellsville College.

Other achievements that Chick is proud to note: he is affiliated with The Knights Templar-Royal Arch, Prince Hall Masons, and Shriners. He is also proud to say he is a Kentucky Colonel. Chick is a member of First Baptist Church in Campbellsville, where he has practiced his faith since his childhood.

Dr. Patricia M. Bamwine is a proud 2005 graduate of Taylor County High School. While at TCHS, she was involved in Cardinal Kroger, the dance team, DECA, show choir, concert choir, and served as an FCA huddle leader. Under the leadership of her dance coach, LaQuita Goodin, she learned a lesson that still guides her today: focus on the task ahead, don’t compare yourself to others, and always cheer for your competitors.

Dr. Bamwine earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Campbellsville University and her Master of Arts from Western Kentucky University. She later completed her Master of Social Work and PhD at the University of Pittsburgh, where she also served as a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Medicine. She completed three terms of service with AmeriCorps in Braddock, Pennsylvania, at the Braddock Youth Project.

After six years as faculty at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she recently joined Middle Tennessee State University, where she is a faculty member and the Founding Director of the Traumatic Stress and Violence Research Lab. She now trains and mentors future social workers.

Though today’s students walk different hallways than she once did, the opportunities are the same. Dr. Bamwine wants students to know that you do not have to be perfect to build a meaningful future. Growth takes time. Mistakes are part of the process. What matters most is your willingness to keep learning and keep moving forward.