Jo Ann Dickinson Holder, former mayor of Trenton, is a 1972 graduate of Todd County Central High School.
Holder values her education most from Todd Central and says the class of 1972 was a special class to be a part of. Every ten years, the group has had a class reunion, and in 2022, the class celebrated its 50th reunion with over 60 classmates and their spouses in attendance. Holder says everyone’s love and friendship for each other over the years is as strong as ever.
She fondly remembers the caring and devoted teachers and staff at the school and says there was respect between the students and teachers. Her class came from several elementary schools and by the end of freshman year, their personalities joined together in classes, sports and clubs. Holder will always treasure the memory of her teachers, classmates and education at Todd Central.
Holder reminds current students they are in school to learn – being respectful to adults and students during their high school years will lead to a productive adult life. She adds they may not realize it now, but these years in school are preparing them for the real world, so they should take advantage of what is being offered.
To current educators, she says students are different from when her generation was in school. She advises them to give their all in educating their students with hopes that they will get their all in return. Having patience with students who are not able to learn or understand as fast as others can go a long way. Holder says there is nothing wrong with a little humor in the classroom as long as it is in good taste and with respect.
After graduating, she attended Hopkinsville Community College to earn her associate’s degree, then Austin Peay State University to earn a bachelor’s in education. Several years later, she completed her master’s.
Holder worked at Hurst Drug Store while attending college. After earning her degrees, she was hired by the Todd County School District where she taught for 29 years. She says it was an honor to teach in the same school district where she received her formal education. As a retired educator, she has served as the president of Todd County’s Retired Teachers Association and is a volunteer on the Historic Todd County Board of Directors.
Growing up in Trenton, Holder says she was blessed by being surrounded by a “close and caring community”. After her retirement, she wanted to give back to her community and was elected Mayor from 2011-2018. During her time in office, she was able to achieve many projects with the help of the Trenton Commissioners, city employees and citizens.
Holder has been a resident of Trenton, Kentucky her entire life and says she would not dream of living anywhere else. She is married to Billy Steve Holder and has a son, Michael, and two grandchildren, Jensen and Willa.
Spotlights on Todd Central alumni are part of a partnership between WEKT and the TCCHS Alumni Foundation, Inc. To be featured, please visit the Alumni Foundation’s website to fill out the application.
