Ridgeway Named 2025 Distinguished Alumnus

Cabot High School is proud to announce that Kenneth Ross Ridgeway, a member of the Class of 1965, has been selected as the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus. Mr. Ridgeway will represent not only his fellow classmates—who are celebrating the 60th anniversary of their graduation—but also the thousands of other proud alumni of Cabot High School.

Mr. Ridgeway began his educational journey at Ward Elementary School and joined Cabot High School in the 8th grade. During his time at CHS, he was actively involved in football and track. His graduating class of 1965 was the first to include more than 100 graduates.

After high school, Mr. Ridgeway enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for two years. He later earned a degree in Business Administration from Arkansas State University and completed a Master of Education degree at the University of Arkansas.

His teaching career began in 1973 at Jacksonville Junior High School. In 1982, he returned to his hometown to teach social studies at Cabot High School, where he remained until his retirement in 2005.

In 1977, Mr. Ridgeway continued his service to the nation by joining the Arkansas Army National Guard, eventually retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major. Beyond his military and educational careers, he dedicated himself to public service, actively participating in the Cabot chapter of AARP and the American Legion. In the 1990s, he was elected as a Justice of the Peace on the Lonoke County Quorum Court.

While attending Arkansas State University, Mr. Ridgeway met his future wife, Barbara Ridgeway, who later became a counselor at Cabot High School. They are the proud parents of two CHS graduates: Amy Smith (Class of 1993) and Kendra Adams (Class of 1998).

Mr. Ridgeway will take part in the Cabot High School graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025. As Distinguished Alumnus, he will officially welcome the Class of 2025 into the alumni family and lead the symbolic tassel-turning ceremony.