Daviess County High School's Matt Brannon Named 2026 OCTC Pathfinder of the Year
Award presentation took place before DCHS's annual Signing Day event on May 14, 2026
Owensboro, KY (05/26/2026) — Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) is proud to announce that Matt Brannon, College and Career Readiness Coach at Daviess County High School, has been named the 2026 OCTC Pathfinder of the Year.
Established by the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), the Pathfinder of the Year Award recognizes high school teachers and counselors for their exceptional efforts in supporting students' college and career goals. Each of the 16 KCTCS colleges selects one recipient annually.
Brannon was surprised with the honor during an award presentation held at Daviess County High School prior to the school's annual Signing Day event for graduating seniors. The award was presented by OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams alongside members of OCTC's Student Affairs and Marketing teams. Also in attendance were Amanda Jerome, recipient of OCTC's 2024 Pathfinder of the Year Award, and Kelly Spaw, the 2023 recipient of the award.
Many students know Brannon simply as "Coach," but his impact reaches far beyond the classroom or athletic field. After a successful career in coaching and teaching, Brannon transitioned into the College and Career Readiness role and quickly established himself as a trusted mentor and advocate for students exploring college and career opportunities.
Recipients of the Pathfinder of the Year Award are evaluated on their ability to encourage students to pursue higher education, their knowledge of educational opportunities, and their commitment to helping students identify meaningful career and postsecondary pathways. Brannon earned a perfect score in every category.
He consistently incorporates OCTC into guidance activities and events, enthusiastically connects students with opportunities, and works closely with college staff and programs to ensure students have access to recruitment materials, informational sessions, workshops, and campus experiences that make college feel accessible and achievable.
"Matt Brannon represents the very best of what this award stands for," said Dr. Scott Williams. "He meets students where they are, encourages them to believe in their potential, and helps connect them with opportunities that can truly change their future. His passion for student success is evident in every interaction, and OCTC is proud to recognize the lasting impact he is making on students and families throughout our community."
Just as importantly, Brannon understands students. Whether coordinating FAFSA workshops, welcoming college representatives into the classroom, or simply encouraging a student to believe in themselves, he creates an environment where students feel supported as they prepare for life after high school.
"I am humbled and honored to be recognized by OCTC," said Brannon. "When I stepped away from coaching, I wasn't sure where my path would lead me. When this opportunity became available, I knew it would be a perfect fit for me. The ability to serve students and help them make decisions that can impact the rest of their lives is one of the greatest parts of this job. It's always reassuring to have your peers recognize your efforts, and I am blessed to work with the best team."
"Matt is truly deserving of this recognition," said Courtney Duvall, Director of OCTC's START Center. "From the moment he stepped into the CCR role, he embraced it wholeheartedly and immediately began making a difference. His passion for supporting students extends far beyond the school day, and he is deeply committed to helping them recognize their potential and the opportunities that await them after high school. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him and witness his dedication firsthand."
Amanda Jerome, who received OCTC's Pathfinder of the Year Award in 2024, praised Brannon's commitment to students and college readiness initiatives throughout Daviess County Public Schools.
"I am so honored that Matt Brannon, College and Career Readiness Coach at Daviess County High School, has been awarded the Pathfinder of the Year Award for Owensboro Community and Technical College this year," Jerome said. "Matt's dedication to college and career readiness, supporting our students in their plans both during and after high school graduation, and motivating students to do their best is unmatched. He is one of the most professional, innovative, and student-focused colleagues I have had the pleasure of working with during my 25 years in education, and he is so deserving of this award."
OCTC congratulates Matt Brannon on being named the 2026 Pathfinder of the Year and thanks him for his continued dedication to helping students discover opportunities, achieve their goals, and find their path to success.
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Owensboro Community & Technical College is one of the sixteen community and technical colleges that make up the Kentucky Community & Technical College System. OCTC serves the KY counties of Daviess, Hancock, Ohio and McLean. OCTC has three campuses in Daviess County and a Center and Annex in Hancock County. OCTC strives to serve the communities in the service area by providing associate degree education for transfer, state of the art technical education for students focusing on entering the workforce, customized business and industry solutions through the Workforce Solutions division, and adult education and business and industry testing through the SkillTrain unit.
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The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is the Commonwealth's largest postsecondary institution with 16 colleges and more than 70 campuses. We also are Kentucky's largest provider of workforce training and online education. Through partnerships with business and industry, we align our programs to meet the needs of local employers. We help students fulfill their dreams of creating a better life through programs that lead directly to jobs or help them transfer to one of our four-year partners.
Connect with OCTC: Owensboro.kctcs | Facebook.com/owensboroctc | Twitter@OCTC_Tweets | Instagram OwensboroCTC
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Katie Powers, 270-686-4404, katie.powers@kctcs.eduShare this Story
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