A Class of 1974 graduate of Trigg County High School and native of Rocky Ridge, Mr. Sanford Irvin delivered a strong message during Friday night’s Second Annual Genesis Express “United to Serve” Banquet at the Lexi Bush Convention Center.
There is no community, he said, without “unity” — and he called on adults to rise up and lead in these “tumultuous times.”
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A man of faith, a husband with four children and a farmer of chickens and hogs in central Kentucky, Irvin also reflected on a riotous string of advice from his former assistant cross-country coach, Buddy Sivills.
“United to Serve” Woman of the Year went to Agnes Bernice Wilson Radford. The magnanimous wife of George “Big G” Radford for more than 55 years, she’s a Princeton native who attended Dotson before graduating from Caldwell County High School.
She’s an active member of the Cave Spring Missionary Baptist Church in Cerulean, who — in 1972 — lost her unborn child and flatlined, in what she called a “horrific” DUI-involved automobile accident.
And today, she stands well accomplished.
“United to Serve” Man of the Year went to Joe Edwards Rogers. The stalwart husband of Patricia Rogers for more than 50 years, and the father of Visit Hopkinsville! Executive Director Amy Rogers, he has served on the Pennyrile Electric board representing the Cumberland district since August 1976.
He still owns and operates Little Pines Farm in Trigg County, and he was the first African-American in Trigg County to earn the title of “master conservationist.”
“Outstanding Trail Blazer” of the Year went to Ron Smith, who moved to Trigg County about four years ago, while “Outstanding Genesis Express” Member of the Year went to the organization’s oldest, and perhaps wisest, in John Ladd.
A surprise honor came for local optometrist and philanthropist Dr. Scott Sutherland, when the outgoing Genesis Express President Radford announced him as the “Unsung Hero” and “Sixth Man” of the Year for the body.
Sutherland dedicated his efforts, and the award, to his family and his childhood caretaker, Jenny.
More than 20 local students remain active with STEM and tutoring programs at the new Genesis Express Intergenerational Community Center, and Radford confirmed the space is consistently booked for local and regional meetings — while the new barbecue shed stays warm and ready for the next meal.
2026 OfficersPresident: Bobby AcreeVice President: John LaddSecretary: Dexter HopsonAssistant Secretary: Jonathan WhiteTreasurer: Jerry WilsonFinancial Secretary: Michael LaddHistorian: Jonathan WhitePublic Relations: George RadfordSergeant-at-Arms: Anthony Browder
Members: Billie Walker, Fred Wilson, Randolph Crenshaw, Eugene Wilson, Thaddeus “Jock” Bingham, Lewis Crenshaw, Victor Radford, Ronald Smith
Trail Blazers: Xavier Radford, Eric Bleidt
Second Annual “United To Serve” Banquet
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