KYTHF

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Golda Pensol Walbert

Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame Inductee, 2014

A native of Rockcastle County, Golda P. Walbert began her teaching career at Rockcastle County Schools in 1943.

Walbert taught at Rockcastle County Schools from 1943 to 1952. She taught in various one-room schools and found herself assuming the roles of custodian, cook, nurse and teacher. From 1952 to 1954 she taught at Harlan County Public School and Barren County Schools from 1954 to 1989.

She received her associate degree from Lees Junior College, bachelor’s degree in Education in 1946 from Eastern Kentucky University and master’s degree in Educational Administration in 1950 from EKU.

Her awards include the Outstanding Alumnus Award from Eastern Kentucky University, Glasgow-Barren County Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, Barren County Schools Hall of Distinguished Alumni, and the Kentucky Unbridled Spirit Award in 2007.

In 2012 the WKU-Glasgow Samothrace Club announced the establishment of the Golda Pensol Walbert Scholarship to honor Walbert’s love of knowledge and bettering the lives of others. Lisa Simpson, President of the WKU-Glasgow Samothrace Club, commented: “Not only did she become a teacher, but she became so much more. She became an advocate for her students, the teachers that she would lead, and many others trying to reach their dreams.”