A bomber pilot, a doctor, a philanthropist, a lawyer and a public relations expert will be inducted into the Holmes High School Hall of Distinction this year.
The hall was established in 2000 to honor distinguished graduates and/or friends of Covington Schools for their achievements and contributions to society.
The winners will be recognized during the Hall of Honors event at 6 p.m., June 14, at the Drees Pavilion.
In the days leading up to the event, the Tribune will recognize each of the Covington Education Hall of Honors winners with a profile of accomplishments and contributions.
Hall of Distinction Inductee John Jay Fossett
John Jay Fossett has plenty to be proud about since he wrapped up his four years at Holmes in 1977.
Fossett continued his education at the University of Kentucky, where he majored in journalism and political science and then returned to Northern Kentucky for a job with The Kentucky Post, the once dominant newspaper in the region.
Although he enjoyed writing and reporting for The Post, The Cincinnati Enquirer and the Louisville Courier-Journal, Fossett also demonstrated an interest in the law and enrolled at Salmon P. Chase College of Law, where he completed his studies in 1987.
Fossett, who lives with his wife Barbara in Ft. Thomas, played key roles with the City of Covington. In 2001, he became the first full-time City Solicitor for the city and four years later was named City Manager, a post he held until 2009. Shortly after leaving the city, he and business partner Patrick Crowley formed Strategic Advisers, a media relations and lobbying firm that has its offices in downtown Covington.
His volunteer work over the years has included a leadership role with the Tom Ellis Athletic Memorial Foundation (TEAM Foundation), which was created to honor Tom Ellis, a legendary coach and athletic director at Holmes.
The 2017 Hall of Honors winners will be recognized during the celebration event at 6 p.m., June 14, at the Drees Pavilion. This will mark the first year for the Hall of Honors, which combines the Hall of Distinction and the Covington Education Foundation’s Person of the Year. The revamped event is designed to honor alumni, celebrate supporters of the school – all while raising funds to support the foundation’s efforts to help students succeed by providing scholarships, paying college fees and assisting with the district’s mentoring program. Ticket price $55 per person. Tables and advertisements are also available.
For information, sponsorship opportunities and ticket prices, click here https://covingtonhallofhonors.eventbrite.com or contact Janice Krumwiede, Janice.krumwiede@covington.kyschools.us 859 392-3182.