Kentucky's top two Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructors have been recognized for their outstanding leadership and mentorship, with both serving at George Rogers Clark High School in Clark County. The Kentucky Department of Education announced the 2026 honors in coordination with the U.S. Army Cadet Command's 7th Brigade.

Retired Lt. Col. Tom Krupp, the senior Army instructor at George Rogers Clark High School, has been named the 2026 Kentucky Senior Army Instructor of the Year. Retired Master Sgt. Larry Lee, an Army instructor at the same school, was selected as the 2026 Kentucky Army Instructor of the Year. The honors recognize outstanding leadership, instructional excellence, mentorship and dedication to developing cadets through the JROTC unit.

According to retired Army Col. Tim McDonald, Kentucky state director of Army instruction, "The instructors selected for these honors exemplify the very best of Kentucky JROTC. Their commitment to leadership development and cadet success continues to strengthen programs across the Commonwealth and inspires cadets to become responsible citizens and future leaders."

As Senior Army Instructor of the Year, Krupp is recognized for exceptional leadership of the George Rogers Clark High School JROTC unit, where he has played a key role in developing cadets' leadership skills, discipline and civic responsibility. His contributions have strengthened the program's reputation for excellence and cadet achievement.

Lee is honored for his dedication to cadet mentorship and instructional excellence within the JROTC program. The two educators represent a school program that has become a model for Kentucky's extensive JROTC network, which includes 98 units statewide dedicated to preparing high school students for leadership roles while fostering citizenship and responsibility.