JTP

Henderson County High School would like to congratulate and introduce our new assistant principal for the Career and Technical Education Unit, J.T. Payne.  Principal Amber Thomas states, “We are beyond excited to welcome Mr. Payne to our administrative team.  As a teacher-leader in our Career and Technical Education Unit, his contributions have already helped HCHS move closer to our goal of becoming the best high school in Kentucky. In his new role, his thoughtful leadership and expertise will help get us there.”

A lifelong resident of Henderson County and native of Reed, J.T. is committed to building more partnerships between the community and school, which is a critical component of high quality vocational education. A few of his current and former community involvements include:

  • Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee 

  • Henderson Farm Bureau Board 

  • Murray State Hutson School of Agriculture Alumni Board, President-Elect

  • Henderson Education Foundation 

  • Superintendent’s Advisory Council 

  • City of Henderson Vision Committee 

  • HCHS Site Based Decision Making Council 

  • Henderson Leadership Initiative Participant 

  • Kentucky Association of Career and Technical Education Leadership Fellow 

The Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators selected Mr. Payne as the recipient of the 2022 Kentucky Teachers Turn the Key Award and he was also chosen as both Henderson Chamber of Commerce and Murray State University’s 20 under 40 honorees in 2023.

Following graduation from Henderson County High School, he went on to receive a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Education from Murray State University where he served as Student Government President and Outstanding Spring 2019 graduate. He later continued his education at Murray State and earned a Master’s in Teacher Leadership (2021) and Master’s in Education Administration (2024). 

Mr. Payne currently serves as Henderson County FFA advisor, agriculture instructor, junior grade level leader, and faculty advisor to the newly established education pathway. He will continue in these roles for the remainder of the 2023/2024 academic year. Mr. Payne will work alongside Mrs. Amanda Lacer in the 2024/2025 school year following the retirement of Mr. Steve Welch to continue pursuing excellence in the largest CTE center in Kentucky that is attached to a comprehensive high school.