Inaugural “Battle of the Schools” Promotes Drug-Free Message Through Friendly Competition

Nelson County students unite under the theme: “Game On, Drugs Gone!”

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (June 12, 2025) – Students from four local high schools came together for the inaugural Battle of the Schools, a May 22 event that blended spirited competition with an important message—living drug-free is powerful.

Held at Nelson County High School, the event welcomed seniors from Bardstown High School, Bethlehem High School, Nelson County High School  and Thomas Nelson High School to participate in high-energy games and challenges. Underclassmen showed up in full force to cheer on their classmates, creating a community atmosphere of excitement and pride.

Created through a partnership among Nelson County Fiscal Court, Flaget Memorial Hospital, and Green Dot, the event was organized by Catherine Beavers and Misty Roller, with support from school staff, volunteers, and community leaders.

“We created Battle of the Schools as a fun, positive way to engage our high school seniors while reinforcing an important message—that choosing to live drug- and vape-free is powerful,” said Beavers. “This event wasn’t just about games and trophies; it was about celebrating students who are making healthy choices and showing underclassmen and the community what leadership and resilience look like.”

Nelson County High School took home the inaugural Senior Cup, while Bardstown High School earned the Spirit Award. Both traveling trophies will be engraved with the winners’ names each year, creating a legacy for future students.

The evening featured a student-created awareness video, special messages from community leaders and a heartfelt speech from senior Dalton Roney-Parrish, who bravely shared his personal experience with the dangers of substance use.

Jennifer Nolan, president of Flaget Memorial Hospital, said the event offers important lessons that will help students throughout their lives.

“This event aligns perfectly with our mission at Flaget — to improve the health of the people that we serve,” Nolan said. “Empowering young people with knowledge about the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use is an important start for healthy habits they can take into adulthood. As part of CommonSpirit Health, collaboration is a core value and one that students were able to see first hand how Flaget Memorial Hospital works with community partners to promote and support health and wellness beyond the walls of our hospital.”

“This event was a great example of what happens when a community invests in its youth,” said Nelson County Judge-Executive Tim Hutchins. “We were proud to support Battle of the Schools because it promotes values that matter — health, leadership, and community spirit. Events like this help shape a stronger, safer Nelson County.”

Misty Roller, violence prevention manager and Green Dot coordinator, said the event exceeded expectations. CommonSpirit Health’s Mission and Ministry Fund provides funding for the Green Dot program in Nelson County

“Tonight was more than I could have hoped for. The camaraderie among students and schools was great, and the attendance—nearly 200 people—was amazing for a first-time event,” Roller said. “I loved having a front row seat to watch our seniors make memories and be the pioneers for what I hope becomes an annual tradition for our community. I’m also grateful for the willingness of Nelson County Fiscal Court and Flaget Memorial Hospital to collaborate with Green Dot to think outside the box in how we deliver prevention messages to youth while building relationships with them.”

Nelson County Jailer Justin Hall also praised the event’s impact. “The evening was such a great night not only for the students but for adults as well,” he said. “I was very happy to see so many come out to support our youth and also use it as a learning experience to keep our kids off drugs.”

Special thanks are extended to GOQuest, which dedicated volunteers helped the evening run smoothly, and to all staff and supporters who helped bring the event to life.

With its successful debut, organizers are already looking ahead to next year, hoping to grow the event and continue its mission to promote wellness, connection and positive choices for Nelson County youth.

About Saint Joseph Health

Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Flaget Memorial Hospital

Flaget Memorial Hospital, part of Saint Joseph Health, is a 52-bed facility located in Bardstown, Kentucky. Established in 1951 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the facility serves residents of Nelson, Hardin, Marion, Washington, Spencer, Bullitt and LaRue counties. The facility is also home to Nelson County’s first full-service cancer center and is nationally recognized for orthopedic and surgical care, as well as inpatient satisfaction.

About Green Dot

Green Dot is an evidence-based primary prevention program designed to empower participants safe ways to intervene in situations of bullying, dating violence, and sexual harassment and assault. In Nelson County, Green Dot has offered this bystander intervention program since 2015, continuing to nurture a culture of safety and respect for all students, while encouraging proactive community involvement to foster cultural change through education and awareness.