In a surprise ceremony at Todd County Central High School, Business Teacher Michelle Rager was named the 2025 High School Teacher/Counselor Pathfinder Award recipient by Hopkinsville Community College (HCC).
An HCC alumna who has served at Todd County Central since 1995, Rager was recognized for her exceptional dedication to guiding students toward postsecondary success.
In a written statement, Rager said she chose HCC right after high school for the smaller class sizes, the convenient location, and the affordability, and that later, she transferred to Western Kentucky University—and both of her kids have taken classes at HCC for the same reasons.
Her advocacy hasn’t stopped with her own family. Rager has long been a vocal supporter of HCC as a smart first step for students unsure about their next move, and she further noted that she has always found the faculty and staff at HCC to be knowledgeable and supportive—not just to her and her kids, but also to the students she works with at TCCHS.
She added that HCC offers so many benefits, especially for undecided students, and she has always been proud to recommend it.
The Pathfinder Award honors high school teachers and counselors across Kentucky who go above and beyond to help students prepare for college. Nominees must be recommended by a KCTCS student, faculty, or staff member and are chosen based on their mentorship, college encouragement, career guidance, and ongoing support.
Rager is one of 16 educators statewide to receive the award this year—one from each of the KCTCS colleges.
For more information about the Pathfinder of the Year Awards, visit kctcs.edu.
