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Each year the Dr. Jon Draud Pioneer Award recognizes residents of Kenton County who have a record of outstanding service to the community and exemplify the highest standards of personal integrity. The Pioneer Award honors those who demonstrate servant leadership combined with awareness of the needs of our fellow residents.
A committee, composed of past recipients, reviews the nominations, identifies deserving individuals and forwards their names to the Kenton County Fiscal Court for final approval.
In 2026, the award was renamed in recognition of longtime Kenton County Commissioner Dr. Jon Draud. A lifelong resident of the region, Draud’s career has been defined by decades of service in education and government.
Before joining the Fiscal Court in 2010, Draud spent more than 50 years in public education, serving as a teacher, principal and superintendent. He also held the position of Kentucky Commissioner of Education and has been widely recognized for his contributions to both the community and the Commonwealth. His public service also includes time on the Crestview Hills City Council and in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
Martin Butler | Ralph Dusing | Jo Martin |
Donna Salyers | Sister Jean Marie Hoffman | Jeanne Schroer |
Dave Schroeder | Tom Litzler | Bruno Giacomuzzi |
Steve Hensley | Terry Foster | Alecia Webb-Edgington | Larry Maxey |
Wilbert Ziegler | Ray Hebert | Ken Harper | Mark Guilfoyle |
Bill Goetz | Burr Travis | William Funke | Garren Colvin | Arnold Simpson |
Jim Claypool | Rick & Mary Hulefeld | John Salyers |
Ralph Drees | Mer Grayson | Robert Hoffer |
Kim Kitchen | Ed Schroeder | Parker Willman |