2024 Hall of Fame Inductees (L-R): Jinky Howard, Larry O’Bryan, Josh Payne, Bradley Payne, Allen Howe, Lisa Armes, Christina Rhodes, Connie Hardison accepted award on behalf of the late Troy Hardison
Lisa Armes graduated from St Romuald High School in 1987. She received her bachelor’s degree from Brescia in 1991 and her master’s degree from Western Kentucky University in 1995. She began teaching at Trinity in 1993 and stayed for 26 years until 2018. While at Trinity Lisa taught religion during the first two years and then took over the Social Studies department. She taught US History, Government, Career Development, Psychology, Sociology, World History, Current Events, Health, Study Skills, Religion and probably a few others she has forgotten. She coached cheerleading and cross country and served as the National Honor Society sponsor for a few years. She served as class sponsor each year and accompanied her students on many class trips and retreats. She served as the school’s KTIP resource teacher for 5 years and started the Y Club at Trinity in 2000. She sponsored the Y Club for the next 18 years. While at Trinity, Lisa was an avid Trinity Raiders and Lady Raiders sports fan. She is married to Richard Armes who was assistant coach at Trinity for basketball, volleyball and helped start the archery program. Both of her daughters graduated from Trinity. Kelsey Knott graduated from Trinity in 2013 and U of L in 2017 and is now a teacher at Eminence Independent. Hannah Knipper graduated from Trinity in 2015 and U of L in 2019 and now works for Norton’s Hospital in Louisville. Since leaving Trinity, Lisa has been teaching in the Bullitt County school system. Her current position is with Roby Elementary in the special education department and she is loving every minute working with her students there. She cherishes all of the relationships she made while teaching at Trinity. All of her students, their parents and her co-workers have made her the person she is today. She may not live in Whitesville anymore, but a piece of heart will always be at Trinity.
Troy Hardison graduated from Oakland City College in 1992 and played baseball for the Mighty Oaks. He began teaching college classes part-time for Madisonville Community College after graduation while working another part-time job. He accepted a teaching position at Trinity High School in 1993, at the age of 23. He taught various math classes at Trinity as well as a few elementary classes at St. Mary’s. Mr. Hardison approached the THS Athletic Director about a baseball program. The school agreed to provide the uniforms and equipment but there would be no pay. Mr. Hardison took that as a win and began building the Trinity High School Raiders baseball team. 6th graders had to be pulled up for the team, but he loved the challenge. He used whatever strategy that was needed. He would give the bunt sign multiple batters in a row if he felt bases would be had. The squeeze, Oh the squeeze, was a favorite strategy. Utilizing the speed of the Trinity players, a bunt/squeeze could be the difference between a win and a loss. Accomplishments for the Trinity Raiders Baseball Program under the leadership of Coach Hardison:1995 District Runner-Up, 1996 District Runner-Up, 1997 District Champions, 1997 Regional Final Four, 1998 District Champions, 1998 Regional Final Four , Regional Tournament appearance in 4 of the 5 years he coached, Trinity’s first win in a regional tournament in ANY sport! After his time at Trinity, Coach Hardison taught 22 years at Owensboro Middle School and coached 7th grade boys’ basketball, achieving 76 consecutive wins 2014 – 2017 with multiple championships. Troy loved his family, wife of 27 years, Connie, and children, Ty, Alli and Kyle. He served the Lord and his church faithfully and was a dedicated UK basketball fan, so much so that on one spring break baseball trip, the vans were pulled over so Coach and the team could hover around a mini TV to watch a UK basketball game. Known for teaching life as well as baseball, caring for his players and their families, and dedicating his time to the program, Coach Hardison gave all he had for Trinity Raiders Baseball. Up until the time he passed away in 2021, he was still called “Coach” by his players of many years before. He spoke very highly of his years at Trinity and built friendships that lasted a lifetime. To continue Coach Hardison’s legacy of helping athletes reach their goals, a Trinity senior athlete is selected each year to receive The Coach Troy Hardison Memorial Scholarship for Athletes, a scholarship awarded by Coach Hardison’s family. He is greatly missed by all of us here at Trinity High School!
Jerry (Jinky) Howard is the tenth child of fourteen born to the late Paul and Anita Howard. They were life-time members of St Mary’s Parish as well as supporters of St. Mary’s High School and Trinity High School. Jerry graduated with the last class from St. Mary’s High School in 1967. He served in the military from 1968 – 1970 on active duty and another 2 years in the Army National Guard. While on active duty Jerry got to visit a tropical country where people didn’t get along well with one another. While in the military he married his wife of now over 55 years, Berdelle Johnson…they now have 6 children, 15 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren with another one on the way. Berdelle is hoping that the younger ones take after their grandmother. Jerry found another love of his life when he was asked to coach an intramural St Mary’s basketball team in the early 1970s. Now over 50 years later most of that boy’s team are grandpas and ready to draw social security. How time does flies. After having the privilege of coaching over 600 players in basketball, baseball, and cross country he has learned that no matter how much he has taught the players, it could never be greater than what the players taught him. Jerry would like to thank all of the players, the parents, his understanding family and all the friends he has met over the years and let them all know what a blessing they have been to him. The kind words, the big smiles, and the hugs is the greatest honor he could, receive.
Allen Howe is a Trinity High School graduate of the Class of 2016. He is the son of Keith and Sue Howe. While at Trinity, Allen played 6 years of varsity baseball, 4 years of varsity basketball, and ran 3 years of varsity cross country. As a student-athlete at Trinity High School, Allen was a member of 3 consecutive baseball teams to make the 3rd region tournament; was named to the baseball 12th district all-regular season team, 12th district all-tournament team, and All “A” Classic All-Tournament Team in 2016; He was on the basketball All “A” classic All-Tournament team in 2015 and was a Region 2A state cross country qualifier in 2015. Allen was named to the All “A” Classic All-Academic team in 2015 and 2016, as well as the 12th District All-Academic Team in 2014, 2015, and 2016; While at Trinity, Allen also became an Eagle Scout, received the Ultimate Teammate award from the Kentucky Association of Basketball coaches and US army, earned the Wendy’s High School Heisman award for Trinity High School, received the President’s Athlete Educational Award, and was honored with the Tommy Conder Citizenship Athlete Award. After graduation, Allen received the James Graham Brown full scholarship from Kentucky Wesleyan College where he was a 4 year contributor as a member of the baseball team. Following graduation from Kentucky Wesleyan College, Allen attended Western Kentucky University where he earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is currently working as a Travel Physical Therapist. Allen would like to thank his family, past teammates and coaches, the staff at St. Mary of the Woods and Trinity High School, as well as the entire Whitesville community for helping him grow as an individual and for the unwavering support of all Trinity students and athletes.
Larry O’Bryan was born in Philpot on July 25, 1948 to Mildred and Vincent O’Bryan and is one of 8 children. He was raised in the Catholic Faith at St. Lawrence Church. He attended St. Lawrence and St. Williams Grade Schools, St. Mary’s College Seminary, and graduated from Mary Carrico Memorial High School in 1966. He then attended Brescia College where he earned Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1970 and is now an Outstanding Alumni Member. Larry received his Certified Public Accountant certification in 1976. He started working at Alexander and Company CPAs in 1969 as a staff accountant and in 1976 became a partner in the firm, serving as Vice President in charge of Public Relations and currently works part time at the firm. He has worked in financial and retirement planning, income tax and estate tax planning. In addition to being a CPA, Larry is also a Charter Wealth Advisor (CWA) ,working at Hillard Lyons from 2000 to 2019 and recently retiring in January 2024 from Robert W Baird & Company where he worked from 2019 to 2024. As a CPA and CWA professional, Larry is a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Member of the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Owensboro Estate Planning Council. Larry has participated and continues to participate in several Charitable and Civic activities. He is past Chairman of the Brescia University Board of Trustees where he was a member for 27 years, serving on both Finance and Executive Committees and now is an emeritus member. He has served as Chairman of both the Brescia Development and Finance Committees and member of the Diocese of Owensboro Catholic Education Board. A member of St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church for 45 years, he has served as Chairman of the Trinity High School Board when the Trinity Endowment Fund was started and is currently at 1 million dollars to continue Trinity’s mission of Catholic Education for the St. Mary’s, St. Williams, and St. Lawrence communities. Additionally, he has been Chairman of the St. Mary of the Woods Parish Council. He was honored for his work for his parish at St. Mary’s of the Woods with the Diocese of Owensboro Sophia Award. Civic organizations include over 40 years of perfect attendance as a member of the Owensboro Noon Lions Club, serving as president twice, past Lt. Governor of Lions District 43E, and receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award in Lionism, Larry continues to serve with the Owensboro Lions. He has been a past member of Planned Gifts Committee for Owensboro Mercy Health System, and past President and Treasurer for the Serra Club of Owensboro. He is a member of the Green River Area Community Foundation, serving as past president and current treasurer. Larry has been blessed with 53 years of marriage to Connie Hardesty O’Bryan and 3 daughters who are all alumni of Trinity High School: Christina Howard, Laura Cecil, and Dana Howard. He has 6 grandchildren: Justin Howard and wife Jerricah,, Katelyn Kaysinger and husband Jesse, Shelby Jo Cecil, Austin Cecil, Lexi Camron and husband Gage, and Nolan Howard and four great grandchildren: Jackson, Warren, Callie Jo and Henry Kaysinger. He enjoys spending time with family, “roughing it” at Rough River Lake, playing golf, fishing, and tennis. Larry lives his motto, “To whom much is given, much is expected” derived from Luke 12:48. He is grateful for his family who raised him in the Catholic faith and to believe in hard work and family first. He was blessed to have Catholic education through college and is a firm supporter of Catholic education. He believes in using the gifts God gives in talent, faith and perseverance to make the world a better place. The faith communities of St. Mary of the Woods, St. Lawrence, and St. William have meant so much to Larry and his family all these years, and as such he is honored to receive this award.
Bradley Payne is married to Natalie Payne and has four children; Jack, Kaden, Kylie and Eva. Bradley started coaching at Trinity in 1999 on the Boy’s side and his teams improved each year of his five year tenure. Trinity won 3 consecutive Class A Regional Championships and secured 2 of the school’s 4 total District Championships during that time. Coach Payne was awarded the 2004 Messenger-Inquirer, KABC, and Bluegrass Preps Coach of the Year honors. Coach finished the 2004 season by being asked to be an assistant on the Kentucky Jr All-Star Team. Coach’s fondest memories of coaching the boys was to watch the development of the players and to see their successes individually and as a team in the region. In his second tenure at Trinity High School, Coach Payne took over the Girl’s program in 2007. In his 2nd year, Trinity was able to sweep the regular season contests versus 9th District foes Daviess Co and Apollo, a school’s first in the same year. Coach’s greatest memories was beating Alma Mater Breckinridge Co in the McLean Co Christmas Championship and Ashley Aud’s 3 from 26ft to upset DC on Senior Night. Bradley would like to take this time to thank some special people that made his coaching career a success: Emily Hernandez, Brice Roberts Larry Farmer, Richard and Lisa Armes, Tommy Condor, Jimmy Aud, Kevin Morris, Assistants Alan Howard, Mark Brasher, Kevin Medcalf, Tommy Wall, and all the players that have given their time and unwavering effort to keep the culture at Trinity so very special.
Josh Payne is a 2003 graduate of Trinity High School. He is married to Emily Payne, a 2005 graduate of Trinity. They have 2 children, Reese and Mason, both who attend St. Mary of the Woods School. Josh has a love for the outdoors, especially the sport of archery, therefore he began the Trinity Archery program in 2018. He wanted to bring this sport to our local community in order for kids to have more opportunities to be successful, learn discipline, and learn a new skill. During the first couple of years, they only participated in outdoor 3Dshoots. Now, Josh and fellow coaches have implemented a middle school archer team as well, and both teams shoot indoor and outdoor shoots. During his time as archery coach, the Trinity Archery team has won the following titles: In 2018, the Trinity Archery team placed 3rd in the state for 3D archery, In 2019, the Trinity Archery team won the state title and was national runner-up for 3D Archery, In 2020- the Trinity Archery team won the indoor state title, both middle school and high school, and the high school has won 3 regionals and had 9 podium finishes as well. Josh would like to thank several other coaches who have been a huge part of the success of this archery program including: Rodney Rhodes, Aaron Abbott, Chris Jackson, Jason Higdon, Al Wathen, and the late Chad Roberts.
Christina Rhodes has been married to Rollie Rhodes for 23 years. Christina has been part of the Trinity family since August 1993 when she began teaching at the high school. In her early years, Christina was asked to work with the girls’ basketball team and is proud to have supported the Lady Raiders at ball games and to have been part of the All-A Regional championship team in spring 1997. In 2019, Christina was named athletic director for Trinity and St. Mary of the Woods, filling in when the then-director left and serving in the role until June 2021. During that time, she updated the athletic and coaching handbooks; monitored coaching requirements; hosted various athletic tournaments; and ensured that the schools were following all KHSAA requirements, especially during the time of COVID, when restrictions were rigid. While she will be the first to tell you she is not the most athletically inclined, working in both these positions helped Christina develop a real appreciation for athletes and coaches, all of whom put in more hours and hard work (physical and intellectual) than most people realize. In the classroom, Christina has taught 22 different classes, mostly focusing on English. She is proud of having established the Traveling Classroom (with Joe Bland), in 2010, and of designing and gaining approval of the curriculum for the course, which meant the class could be taken for credit. Since its inception, the traveling classroom has accepted more than 100 students and has taken the participants to ten different countries, to walk in the footsteps of the saints. Christina has also supervised several clubs and activities in her 31 years, hosting a coffee house and haunted house; creating and helping to maintain the school’s Facebook and YouTube pages; producing the Raider Report news program and making episodes available on the local cable station and, later on, the school’s YouTube channel; she edited and published the Trinity Message for a number of years; and has been Trinity’s reaccreditation coordinator three different times. She has served as a class sponsor and yearbook advisor, and she is currently the faculty advisor for the National Honor Society.
