John Earnest has also been chosen as one of the Grand Marshals for the Black Patch Festival this year.
John was not born in Princeton, but since moving here he has spent numerous hours making positive contributions to the local area and citizens and is being recognized this year by the Princeton Optimist Club.
John shared what being named Grand Marshal means to him.
John grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania graduating from high school there in 1972. He then attended Wingsport Community College receiving his associate degree and then got his bachelor’s degree in electronic technology from Pennsylvania State in 1978.
John said the community he grew up in Pennsylvania was larger, but the values were pretty much the same as Caldwell County.
John enlisted in the Army in 1978 and was assigned to the Field Artillery Unit and attended Officer Basic Training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma before being transferred to the 101st Airborne Air Assault Division at Fort Campbell.
John shares his side of the story of when he met his wife Melissa, who will also be a Grand Marshal for this year’s Black Patch parade.
He knew being overseas was part of his service in the military, but enjoyed the experience in Germany.
After returning stateside and leaving the military, he worked a couple of local jobs before beginning his career at the University of Kentucky Research Center. He has spent the last 33 years working at the local facility.
Another area John is well known for is his position with the Princeton Police Department. He has worked there as a part-time officer for many years.
He has spent a big part of his police career working in the local school system providing security for ballgames, dances, extracurricular activities, and traffic control. He also obtained his CDL to drive a school bus to assist Melissa with her trips and substituted routes on occasion.
John also began the 4-H shooting sports program several years ago and has been an active part of those activities until recently.
John is also a mainstay in Black Patch activities working the parade and directing traffic for many years. This year will be different for him as he will be leading the parade instead of working.
He added this is the first year he will be actually able to see it.
The Black Patch Parade will be held Friday evening, September 8, at 5:00, in downtown Princeton.
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