Twenty-three high school seniors have been selected to receive 2016 “I Am UNITE” scholarships totaling $34,500 for being champions for anti-drug efforts.
Each scholarship is worth $1,500 toward post-secondary expenses. Funding for the scholarships comes from proceeds of the National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit – the largest annual collaboration of professionals and advocates in the United States focused on the prescription opiate epidemic – which Operation UNITE has hosted for the past five years.
“These scholarships honor youth who have excelled – not only this year, but throughout much of their undergraduate careers – by being champions for anti-drug efforts within their schools and communities,” said Nancy Hale, UNITE President/CEO. “Recipients have provided peer mentorship, leadership and community service, and serve as an inspiration to others. They are true ‘UNITE Ambassadors’.”
Receiving 2016 “I Am UNITE” Scholarships are:
• Eric M. Bullock, Crab Orchard, Rockcastle County High School, Rockcastle County. Plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University.
• Austin O. Burnett, Barbourville, Knox Central High School, Knox County. Plans to attend Union College.
• Bethany B. Davis, Vincent, Owsley County High School, Owsley County. Plans to attend Hazard Community and Technical College.
• Halie J. Dooley, East Bernstadt, North Laurel High School, Laurel County. Plans to attend Somerset Community and Technical College.
• Carli M. Dotson, Phelps, Phelps High School, Pike County. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
• Aaron C. Hicks, David, South Floyd High School, Floyd County. Plans to attend Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
• Joseph W. Hill, West Liberty, Morgan County High School, Morgan County. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
• Miranda R. Hopkins, Pikeville, East Ridge High School, Pike County. Plans to attend Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
• Taylor M. Howard, Baxter, Harlan County High School, Harlan County. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
• Dacoda M. Johnson, Ashland, Fairview Independent High School, Boyd County. Plans to attend Ashland Community and Technical College.
• Adrianna K. Kerns, Morehead, Rowan County Senior High School, Rowan County. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
• Samarah J. Lovins, Livingston, Rockcastle County High School, Rockcastle County. Plans to attend Campbellsville University.
• Morgan E. Moses, Williamsburg, Williamsburg City Schools, Whitley County. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
• Jake P. Pierce, Somerset, Somerset High School, Pulaski County. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
• Katelyn B. Reynolds, Harlan, Harlan County High School, Harlan County. Plans to attend Southeast Community and Technical College.
• Carlin J. Robinson, Manchester, Clay County High School, Clay County. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
• Rachel L. Shelley, Williamsburg, Whitley County High School, Whitley County. Plans to attend Somerset Community and Technical College.
• Elyssa S. Slusher, Wallins, Harlan High School, Harlan County. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
• Zachary D. Tackett, Branch, Shelby Valley High School, Pike County. Plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University.
• Marissa P. Taylor, Jenkins, Shelby Valley High School, Pike County. Plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University.
• Sheyanne N. Trent, Jackson, Jackson City School, Breathitt County. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
• Emily E. Waller, Tomahawk, Sheldon Clark High School, Martin County. Plans to attend the University of Pikeville.
• Rebekah J. Whitaker, Science Hill, Somerset Christian School, Pulaski County. Plans to attend Somerset Community College.
The “I Am UNITE” Scholarship program was established by the UNITE Foundation in May 2013. To date, the UNITE Foundation has provided scholarships to 89 students.
To qualify for a scholarship, a student must:
• Live within the 32 counties served by Operation UNITE;
• Be a member of their school-based UNITE Club and/or serve as a team leader during Camp UNITE – a free, three-day, four-night leadership/adventure camp for middle school students held at the University of the Cumberlands;
• Have an average cumulative GPA of 2.75;
• Participate in a minimum of 25 hours volunteer community service;
• and, submit an essay explaining how they exemplify the “I Am UNITE” theme.
For more information about Operation UNITE visit their website at www.operationunite.org.
