Rotary Club of Paducah Member, Paducah Professional Women Member, Reidland Elementary Resource Council, Purchase District Ombudsman Advisory Council Sarah Walker has dedicated her career to advocating for seniors and building meaningful resources for her community. As Director of Made to Stay, she applied to join the board of the Paducah Senior Center—and after her first meeting, she was offered the role of Executive Director. Her leadership has already gained statewide recognition: in 2024, she was invited to speak at the Kentucky Department of Aging Conference, the first person from Western Kentucky to present at the event. Working in the aging field has brought unique challenges, especially in helping the broader community understand the lack of support many seniors face. In Paducah, numerous seniors are aging alone, often overlooked and underserved. Sarah combats this by advocating for seniors, creating resources, educating the public, and empowering her staff to amplify their voices in service of the community. Her focus remains on ensuring that seniors are seen, heard, and cared for, and that the community recognizes their ongoing needs. Faith guides Sarah’s leadership. She credits her foundation to God, emphasizing that every opportunity in her career comes through divine purpose. She relies on her faith to navigate challenges and maintain perspective during difficult moments, viewing each obstacle as part of a greater plan. Sarah’s inspiration comes from her mother, who, as a young single parent, juggled multiple jobs before pursuing a nursing career. Watching her mother care for others in healthcare while raising a family instilled in Sarah a passion for service and an understanding of the dedication required to make a meaningful impact. Looking ahead, Sarah hopes her work leaves a lasting positive influence on those around her. She strives to instill in her children an awareness of community needs and a commitment to helping others. Through her actions, she hopes to inspire colleagues, community members, and future leaders to continue championing seniors and shining a light on the often-overlooked population. Sarah emphasizes the importance of keeping faith central in both life and leadership. “Keep God at the center of your life,” she advises, “making Him your highest priority in every decision, every challenge, every victory, every action.” Her career stands as a testament to this philosophy—leading with compassion, purpose, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of seniors. Sarah Walker Executive Director, Paducah McCracken Senior Center Sponsored by 40 Under Forty Western Kentucky Association for Early Childhood Education Board Member Savanah D. Harpole has dedicated her career to shaping the lives of young children through early childhood education. Among her most significant professional achievements is managing a preschool that consistently maintains a five-star rating, fostering meaningful relationships with families and the community, and creating a nurturing environment that supports the developmental needs of every child who walks through her doors. One of the most challenging moments in her career came when the facility she was working for unexpectedly closed. Understanding the vital importance of consistent, high-quality early education, Savanah adapted by establishing her own in- home childcare program. Through this endeavor, she ensured that children continued to receive the support, guidance, and enriching experiences necessary for their growth. This experience strengthened her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to providing meaningful early learning services. What sets Savanah apart in her field is her genuine passion for early childhood education and her unwavering dedication to both children and families. She understands that the early years lay the foundation for a child’s future educational journey and prioritizes creating trusting relationships with families. By ensuring parents feel confident and secure in the care their children receive, she builds a supportive partnership that benefits everyone involved. Savanah draws inspiration from two influential mentors. Julia Thompson instilled in her the importance of teaching with love and making every child feel valued, while Rhonda Ash’s vision for KidsThrive TUMC Preschool provided a model for creating a faith-driven, community-focused learning environment. Savanah continues to uphold that mission, carrying forward a vision of early education that blends professional excellence with personal care and faith-based guidance. Her goal is to leave a legacy of passion, dedication, and lifelong impact in early childhood education. Savanah hopes to inspire future educators to approach their work with the same commitment and belief that every child is worth fighting for. She emphasizes going the extra mile, fostering trust with families, and ensuring children receive a safe, enriching start in life. Her advice to young professionals is to stay passionate, resilient, and purpose-driven. Build genuine relationships, embrace challenges as opportunities, and remain committed to growth— personally, professionally, and spiritually. Success comes from perseverance, authenticity, and a true love for the work you do, and Savanah’s career stands as a testament to that philosophy. Savanah D. Harpole Director, KidsThrive TUMC Preschool 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM
