Photo: (Back Row) Magistrate Sonny Gay, Magistrate Bill Warren, Kristi Woods, Clay County Board of Education, Magistrate Russell Smith, Judge Executive Tommy Harmon, Magistrate Jerry Combs, EMA/EMS Director Rodney Wagers. (Front Row) Jennifer Crockett, Clay County Board of Education, and Magistrate Sonya Gray.
Frankfort, KY – Clay County leadership was recognized at the Kentucky Magistrates & Commissioners Association (KMCA) Spring Conference on March 18, 2026 for their partnership and impact through the 2025 KMCA Children’s Shoe Drive, which provided more than 800 pairs of shoes to Clay County Students.
Judge Executive Tommy Harmon and the Clay County Fiscal Court, along with Superintendent William Sexton and the Clay County Board of Education, were formally acknowledged during the conference for their collaboration in bringing the statewide initiative to Clay County.
Magistrate Sonya Hoskins Gray (District 2) spoke on behalf of the Clay County Fiscal Court, and Jennifer Crockett represented the Clay County Board of Education during the recognition.
The KMCA Children’s Shoe Drive, in its 11th year, is funded entirely through personal contributions from magistrates and commissioners across Kentucky. Since its inception, the program has provided more than 7,000 pairs of shoes to students statewide.
Clay County was selected as the 2025 recipient based on community needs, geographic locations, and active participation within the association. On October 22, 2025, KMCA delivered over 800 pairs of new shoes to Clay County Schools, beginning distribution at Big Creek Elementary School and expanding throughout the district. The initiative ensured that hundreds of students received new shoes heading into the school year, helping boost confidence and ease financial burdens on families.
“This recognition highlights the power of partnership between local government and our school system,” said representatives of Clay County leadership. “ When we come together to support our children, we strengthen our entire community.”
The distribution of shoes across the district is being coordinated by Family Resource Directors to ensure they reach students with the greatest needs.
The Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association, founded in 1952 and headquartered in Frankfort, represents all 563 elected county magistrates and commissioners across the Commonwealth. Clay County Fiscal Court members include: Magistrates Jerry Combs, Sonny Gay, Sonya Gray, Russell Smith, Chris Smith, and Bill Warren, along with Judge Executive Tommy Harmon.