Southeast honors Celestial Shuler with 2026 Pathfinder Award

Published on May 11, 2026

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College recently recognized Celestial Shuler of Letcher County Central High School as the college’s 2026 Pathfinder Award recipient, honoring her outstanding dedication to helping students identify college and career pathways and prepare for success after graduation.

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System Pathfinder Award is presented annually to one outstanding high school teacher or counselor in each of KCTCS’s 16 college service areas. Recipients are recognized for encouraging students to pursue postsecondary education, helping students identify career goals, providing mentorship and maintaining meaningful support throughout the college and career exploration process.

Celestial Shuler, center, poses with her 2026 Pathfinder Award during a presentation at Letcher County Central High School alongside, from left, Wendy Wright, Shuler and Kim Maynard, joined by the SKCTC Pathfinder mascot.
Shuler serves as the GEAR UP Senior College and Career Navigator at Letcher County Central High School, where she works closely with students to explore career options, navigate college opportunities and prepare for life after high school.

“Celestial consistently goes above and beyond for her students,” said Wendy Wright, respiratory care program director at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College. “She works tirelessly to help students explore their options, identify career and college pathways, and connect with opportunities that will prepare them for success after graduation.”

Wright said Shuler has also been a strong partner to Southeast, regularly encouraging students to explore the college’s programs and helping coordinate campus tours, events and orientation experiences.

“More importantly, she builds meaningful relationships with students and supports them every step of the way,” Wright said. “Her passion for students, dedication to their futures and partnership with Southeast make her incredibly deserving of this recognition.”

Southeast recruiter Kim Maynard said Shuler’s commitment to students and advocacy for higher education made her the clear choice for the award.

“Celestial goes above and beyond for students every single day,” Maynard said. “She is an incredible advocate for Southeast and for helping students find the path that is right for them. She truly cares about their futures and works hard to make sure they have opportunities and support.”

According to KCTCS, Pathfinder Award recipients are selected based on their commitment to supporting students through mentorship, college and career guidance and continued encouragement throughout the postsecondary planning process.

As Southeast’s Pathfinder Award recipient, Shuler will also advance to the statewide KCTCS Pathfinder competition. One overall statewide winner will be selected, and a student from the winning educator’s school will receive a scholarship.

Shuler was formally recognized during a presentation at Letcher County Central High School alongside Southeast recruiter Kim Maynard and the KCTCS Pathfinder mascot.