Gilkey’s 32 year legacy at HCA honored in retirement ceremony

Heritage Christian Academy has called Hopkinsville home for over 30 years now—and Penny Gilkey was there every step of the way. Now, she’s heading towards a retirement with a bittersweet feeling, but mostly love, in her heart.

Gilkey has been with HCA for 32 years, and back then, it was operating out of the campuses of Hillcrest Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church, before it would move to its own location off of the Eagle Way Bypass. Speaking with WHOP at a retirement reception Thursday evening, Gilkey says from those early days as a kindergarten music and art teacher to now as the preschool direct, Heritage Christian Academy has been home to her, and while it’s time for the next step, she will miss this school and it’s students.

She says in the beginning, they were light on resources but heavy on connection, spirit and everything else that truly matters.

A lot has changed in those 32 years, from technology to administrations, curriculum to athletics and the campus itself, but Gilkey says the important things have remained the same—a dedication to students, education and faith.

Looking forward, Gilkey says her love for music and art remains as strong as it ever was, but now she will focus on creating her own art, while following the guidance of the Lord, as she always has.

Gilkey was joined by her family for the retirement party, and was surrounded by current and former students, friends new and old, co-workers and community members, as they bid farewell to an educator that helped shape early education at Heritage Christian that will be felt for years to come.