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2024 National Shakespeare Competition: Kentucky Branch will take place on February 24, 2024.  Schools must submit their participation form by January 26, 2024.

In Memoriam

Dr. Kathleen Lyons

It is with deepest sorrow and heartfelt love that I share the passing of Dr. Kathleen Lyons.  She met her Lord on Monday, October 7, 2024 in her home surrounded by family and loved ones.  She will be greatly missed.

I need not tell you the important contributions Kathleen made to the ESU Kentucky Branch throughout her many years on the Board of Directors.  She championed the Scholarship Program from which so many have benefitted.  Several recent scholars have been sent abroad on a scholarship under her name.  She was a dear friend to many of us and a wealth of knowledge for our organization.  According to her nephew Geoff, she was most proud of her 2024 ESU Lifetime Achievement Award and kept it prominently by her sickbed to the last.

The arrangements include a visitation at 9:00 on October 19, 2024, at the Cathedral of the Assumption. Her memorial service will begin at 10:00, followed by a luncheon in the undercroft.  Flowers will be sent from our Branch.  

This is the link to the details in the Courier-Journal.  https://www.courier-journal.com/obituaries/psbn0966339

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Most sincerely,

Kate S. Nitzken
President
ESU Kentucky Branch

Paul Whitty

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend, Paul Whitty. Paul's contributions to the Kentucky Branch of the English-Speaking Union were immeasurable and his presence will be profoundly missed. In recognition of his remarkable lifetime of service, Paul Whitty was honored with the Kentucky Branch Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Convention this past Friday evening. This accolade was a testament to his outstanding contributions to our cause, and it is a tribute that will forever stand as a reminder of his lasting impact.

Paul's legacy will continue to resonate within our organization, and we are grateful for the time we had with him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. The obituary for Paul Whitty can be found here:

Paul Whitty Obituary - Pearson Funeral Home

Keith Eiken 

The Kentucky branch is saddened by the loss of past Branch ESU Scholar, Board of Director Member, Scholarship Committee Member, and longtime branch member Keith Eiken.

The date of the visitation and memorial service are mentioned in the attached obituary notice.

Many thanks for his remembrance, in lieu of flowers, to the Kentucky Branch Scholarship Fund.

Keith Eiken Obituary - Courier-Journal

Gene Paul Stotz 

Gene was a long time member of the Kentucky Branch, English Speaking Union. He served on the Scholarship Committee since 2003 and was a sponsor of several scholarships over his years of service to the Kentucky Branch.  Gene was a member of the Audubon Park Garden Club and one of the founding members of Jeff-Clark Preservation. Gene was an elementary school art teacher for the greater Clark County Schools in Indiana until he retired. He was a lifelong member of Salem United Church of Christ, where he served previously as president. He was a volunteer at Southeast Area Ministries (SEAM). Gene was 72.

Gene is survived by many loving family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Samuel Norman McKenna

A loving donation, in memory of long time member Samuel Norman McKenna, has been made to the Kentucky Branch Scholarship Fund, by Ms. Emily Maxwell.  Thoughts of Norman will always be treasured by the Kentucky Branch!

The ESU-KY branch is saddened at the passing of long time member William Pfingst Carrell, age 84, of Louisville, KY.

Mr. Carrell was a member of a family of illustrious military background and was an accomplished athlete.  He was a third

generation member of the prestigious Pendennis Club in Louisville and was an avid supporter of all things relating to history.

He will be greatly missed.