First Priority Southeast Kentucky

05/14/2026

Worship at HHS FP program.

05/14/2026

31 decision’s for Christ today at HHS FP program.

05/14/2026

Harlan County and Harlan City FP Scholarship award winners. Thank you to all of our sponsors Food City, Hearthside Bank, Jim Roddy, Dr. Stanley Marlowe, Appalachian Children’s Home, Jerry Sizemore and a special Friend.

05/12/2026

Praying for Coach Shope and congratulations.

Harlan High School Names Frank Shope as Head Football Coach

HARLAN, KY – The “Green Dragon” roar is about to get a lot louder.

Harlan High School is proud to announce Frank Shope as the new Head Coach of the Green Dragon Football program.

A veteran leader and one of the most accomplished athletes in school history, Coach Shope brings a deep passion for Harlan football and a strong commitment to student-athlete development. A standout player for the Green Dragons in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Shope earned All-State honors before continuing his football career at the University of the Cumberlands, where he went on to earn All-American recognition.

“Coach Shope isn’t just a coach — he’s a Green Dragon to his core,” said Athletic Director Tiffany Hamm Rowe. “His deep roots in this school and program, combined with his coaching and playing experience, make him the perfect person to mentor our student-athletes and continue building upon our proud football tradition.”

Harlan High School Principal Mike Bolton also expressed excitement about the hire.

“Coach Shope bleeds green, and his connection to Harlan High School goes far beyond football,” said Bolton. “He has served our program as both a player and assistant coach, and over the last several years, I’ve watched him lead our elementary and middle school programs with passion, discipline, and integrity.

“He truly has a gift for teaching the game and developing young people. Coach Shope will challenge our players to be their very best, but more importantly, he will help shape them into better husbands, fathers, and men. We strive to provide our student-athletes with the very best leadership possible, and I believe Frank Shope is exactly the right person to lead this program forward.”

Coach Shope’s experience, leadership, and commitment to Harlan football made him the clear choice to lead the Green Dragons into the future. With Coach Shope at the helm, Harlan High School is excited for the next chapter of Green Dragon football and the impact he will continue to make on students and the community.

04/28/2026

Congratulations

We extend our congratulations to Deputy Josh Sargent for his outstanding commitment. Beyond his responsibilities as a School Resource Officer, Deputy Sargent volunteers as a sports coach and has initiated a kindness program. He also founded the junior deputy program at Wallins Elementary School. Deputy Sargent's contributions to the Harlan County Sheriff's Office Cops for Kids program have been instrumental, resulting in his receipt of a distinguished service medal from Sheriff Brewer. His previous accolades include the Sheriff's Life Saving Award and Region 6 SRO of the Year award.

04/28/2026

Thank you to all of our drivers and aides in Harlan County, Harlan City and Leslie County. Your professionalism, kindness and care shows everyday transporting our kids.

04/27/2026

Congratulations

Cawood Elementary School will have a new principal for the 2026-2027 school year. Following a meeting with the school’s site base decision-making council on April 24, Superintendent Brett Johnson announced […]

04/12/2026

04/02/2026

Leslie County High School FP leadership delivering Easter Cards to the Nursing Home!

03/29/2026

02/13/2026

FP kids delivered candy hearts to principals, teachers and staff at HCHS. We love and appreciate all they do. Happy Valentine’s Day from First Priority!