Batts named Woman of the Year, scholarships awarded at celebration

It was warm inside of the Book and Bottle Shop Thursday evening, and not just because it was filled with people, but because they all came together to celebrate education, impact and the women of this community who have made it a better place.

The Hopkinsville-Christian County Human Rights Commission was host of the Women’s History Month Celebration, where each year, they get the difficult task of naming the recipient of the Fannie Bronson Postell Woman of the Year Award, along with the winners of the Women Educating Women Scholarships. Attendees got to hear from each of the three scholarship-hopefuls—Addison Gilkey, Kaylyn Lynch and Ajae Oatts.

Each young woman wrote an essay detailing a woman who has helped shape them and helped them ‘straighten their crowns’. Gilkey wrote about her grandmother, saying she taught her everything she needed to know about leadership and integrity, while leaving the world a better place than you found it.

All three received a scholarship, with Gilkey taking third place, Lynch claiming second, and the top scholarship, worth $500, was awarded to Oatts.

HRC Board Chair Crystal Ferreira highlighted the importance of Women’s History Month, saying its a time to recognize the many women who deserve to be honored and remembered for what they have accomplished.

It was a stacked line-up of nominees for the Woman of the Year Award, as Magaline Ferguson, Kimberly Batts, Dawn Patricia Thomas and Peggy Mullins were named as contenders. Ultimately, the 2026 Fannie Bronson Postell Woman of the Year Award was presented to longtime educator, Kimberly Batts. Batts became emotional, saying the many young people, and young women, that she’s had the joy of being able to teach and mentor, have given her hope for a bright future, as long as we keep moving forward.

HRC Executive Director Raychel Farmer wrapped things up, encouraging everyone to keep uplifting others and serving with grace, even when times get hard.

This will be the 15th year the HRC has handed out awards and scholarships, with Farmer saying none of it would be possible without the support and generosity of this community.