2023 SCHOLARSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

16TH DISTRICT PTA SCHOLARSHIP 

The objective of the 16th District PTA Scholarship is to give deserving young people the financial means to continue their education. This non-renewable scholarship is awarded to high school seniors attending Fayette County Public Schools. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Scholarships are awarded based on applicant’s financial need, academic achievement and contribution to the community. The amount of the award varies each year.  

BAIRD SCHOLARSHIP

The Baird Scholarship was established in 2002 by Baird (formerly known as Hilliard Lyons) to benefit graduating high school students from Boyle County.  The scholarship provides a one-time award to an applicant who demonstrates potential to succeed academically and who is active in school and community.   The amount varies each year.

BENJAMIN BRIGHT MORAN SCHOLARSHIP

The Benjamin Bright Moran Scholarship was established by Drs. Katie Bright and Dan Moran to honor their son who died in an automobile accident on the eve of his high school graduation in 1998.  During his teen years, Benjamin participated in many rewarding volunteer experiences.  Because volunteering was so meaningful to him, this scholarship rewards community service, as well as academic excellence.  This scholarship is offered to Boyle County students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism. The scholarship provides a one-time award of $2,000.

CLARK SCHOLARS SCHOLARSHIP 

Established by CLARK Material Handling Company in Lexington, KY, this scholarship is open to graduating seniors attending public high schools in Fayette County, as well as to immediate family members of CLARK employees who reside in Kentucky. Students must demonstrate community involvement; have financial need; and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students must be a resident of Kentucky and plan to attend a four-year college or university. Preference is given to first-generation scholarship students. The CLARK Scholars Scholarship provides an award of $1,000 that is renewable for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study.  

EMMA E. BUCKLEY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in honor of Emma E. Buckley, a long-time philanthropist in Kentucky. This renewable scholarship is awarded to high school seniors attending Woodford County High School and Fayette County Public Schools who demonstrate significant financial need. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to first-generation college students. This scholarship provides an award of $2,500 that is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. 

GILL-ELLIOTT SCHOLARSHIP 

The Gill-Elliott Scholarship was established to honor William J. Elliott, a chemistry and physics teacher at Highlands High School for 32 years. This non-renewable merit-based scholarship provides an annual award of $2,000 to a graduating senior from Highlands High School who demonstrates excellent academic achievement and who plans to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering, math or pre-medicine. Applicant must have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher and a composite ACT score of at least 28 or SAT score of at least 1250. 

HOWARD EDELSTEIN SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2022 with an estate gift from Howard Edelstein. The purpose of this scholarship is to support Kentucky students of Jewish faith who are pursuing four-year college degree at the University of Kentucky or University of Louisville.  Students must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 1.7, but not greater than 3.3.   The scholarship provides an award of $1,000 that is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

HUDSON-ELLIS SCHOLARSHIP

Established with a generous bequest from lifelong Boyle County resident, Lottie Ellis, this scholarship provides multiple renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 to high school seniors attending Boyle County High School, Danville High School, and Kentucky School for the Deaf.  Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.   

JANE ALLEN NEWMAN SCHOLARSHIP

The Jane Allen Newman Scholarship Fund awards three scholarships of $2,500 each to high school seniors in Fayette, Harrison, or Union counties, Kentucky with significant financial need who wish to further pursue their education by attending college. Applicant must have minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Preference given to first-generation college students. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided that the student maintains a 2.5 cumulative GPA, maintains full-time status, and is in good academic standing. 

JARED BANTA LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP 

The Jared E. Banta Scholarship is offered to graduating seniors at Western Hills High School in Frankfort, KY. This scholarship was established in 2017 by Nancy A. Compson to create a permanent legacy in memory of her grandson, Jared E. Banta. Eligible candidates must be involved in sports and/or the arts; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; demonstrate financial need; and plan to attend a two- or four-year accredited college or university, with preference given to students who plan to attend college in Kentucky or Ohio. 

JEAN H. JOHNSON SCHOLARSHIP & GEORGE F. JOHNSON, JR. SCHOLARSHIP

Through a generous bequest from Hobart Johnson, these scholarships were established to aid Pike County students in attaining postsecondary education.  Applicant must be a high school senior attending a public high school in Pike County; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; and demonstrate financial need.  Preference is given to first-generation college students.  Each scholarship award is $3,000 and is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

JENNIFER LEIGH SOPER CYSTIC FIBROSIS SCHOLARSHIP 

The Jennifer Leigh Soper Scholarship was established by Lee Soper, in memory of his daughter. This scholarship provides a non-renewable scholarship to a college-bound student with cystic fibrosis. Past recipients are eligible to reapply. The award amount varies each year. 

JOHN AND MAGGIE PRICE SCHOLARSHIP 

The John and Maggie Price Scholarship was established in 2015 through an estate gift from Mr. John Price, former member of the Fayette County Board of Education. Mr. Price established this scholarship so that his passion for education and helping Fayette County public school students would continue. This is open to graduating high school seniors at Tates Creek High School in Lexington, Kentucky who intend to major in nursing at an accredited, four-year college.  This scholarship provides an award of $1,000 that is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.   

KING-BARTON SCHOLARSHIP 

The King-Barton scholarship was established provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors attending Harrison County High School who demonstrate significant financial need and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to first-generation college student. This scholarship is non-renewable and the award amount varies each year. 

LEWIS SEXTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND 

The Lewis Sexton Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by the Morris Foundation in honor of Lewis Sexton, former President of UAW Local 862. The scholarship provides three non-renewable awards of $5,000 each to children (or legal wards) of UAW 862 member or retirees who plan to attend college in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Students must be graduating high school seniors who have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher. Award is paid directly to the recipient’s college/university over the course of 2 semesters. 

LOGAN THOMAS FAMILY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

The Logan Thomas Family Scholarship was created to honor the legacy of Logan Thomas and his son Logan Thomas, Jr. Both were proud graduates of Lee County High School. This scholarship is open to high school seniors attending Lee County High School in Beattyville, Kentucky who demonstrate financial need and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must attend a college or university within the state of Kentucky. The scholarship provides an annual award of $5,000 which is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. 

THE MACLELLAN EDUCATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP 

The MacLellan Education Scholarship was established to benefit children and stepchildren of MacLellan Services Inc. employees. MacLellan Services, Inc., seeks to recognize and honor academic excellence by providing scholarships to students who have financial need and who plan to major in any of the specified fields of study as listed under the eligibility requirements. The scholarship is renewable up to four years of undergraduate study. 

MARGARET HALL ALUMNAE SCHOLARSHIP

To be considered for this award, the applicant must be a relative of a Margaret Hall alumnus or faculty member, be a senior enrolled in an accredited high school, have attained a scholastic average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and complete an application in accordance with instructions. 

MONICA COMBS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

The Monica Combs Memorial Scholarship was established at Blue Grass Community Foundation in 2017 to honor the life of Monica “Moni” Combs. Monica died June 25th, 2006 at the age of 26. This scholarship has been established in her memory to be awarded to a Woodford County High School graduating senior who exemplifies her compassion for others. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Woodford County High School with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students must attend an accredited two- or four-year College, University or Technical School. Recipients should share Monica’s values by being selfless, genuine, a natural leader, willing to put the needs of others ahead of their own wants, not afraid to challenge the status quo, and dedicated to the value of friendship. Financial need may be considered. This scholarship offers a non-renewable award of $5,000. 

MURRY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

The Murry Foundation Scholarship was established at Blue Grass Community Foundation by the Murry Foundation to assist students residing in Fayette County, Kentucky and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania achieve post-secondary education.  The scholarship provides a $5,000 award that is renewable for up to a total of four years of undergraduate study.  Eligible applicants must be residents of either Fayette County, KY or Lancaster County, PA; have a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 2.5; and demonstrate financial need.

R.L. BROWN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established from a generous bequest from R.L. Brown whose family resided for generations in Sharpsburg, KY.  Through his family’s legacy, this scholarship was established to aid Bath County students in attaining postsecondary education. The renewable scholarship of $2,500 is available to graduating seniors from Bath County High School who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to first-generation college students and to those students who reside within Sharpsburg city limits.

STEPHEN L. KELLER SCHOLARSHIP

The Stephen L. Keller Scholarship was established to support outstanding students from Eastern Kentucky who intend to major in a business-related field. The student must attend an accredited four-year educational institution in Kentucky. Graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students are eligible to apply. The Student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship provides an award of $2,000 that is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. 

STEWART FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

The Stewart Family Scholarship provides scholarship of up to $2,000 per academic year for students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a minimum ACT score of 17 or SAT score of 1190. All recipients must demonstrate outstanding character as evidenced by work ethic and service to others. Priority will be given to applicants residing within Kentucky counties of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lawrence, as well as Scioto County Ohio. Others with educational needs will be considered outside of the priority areas.

THOMAS B. BRIGHT, JR., MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

The Thomas B. Bright, Jr., Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Thomas B. Bright Jr., former president of Kentucky Propane Gas Association. The scholarship provides an award of $1,500 to high school seniors or current undergraduate students who are employees or relatives of employees of companies belonging to the Kentucky Propane Gas Association. Former recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

THOMAS D. URMSTON SCHOLARSHIP 

The Thomas D. Urmston scholarship was established to provide scholarships to female students who are graduating high school seniors attending Harrison County High School who demonstrate significant financial need and have a cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to first-generation college students. This provides an award of $3,000 that is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. 

VENGU FAMILY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

The Vengu Family Scholarship was created by Georgetown Community Hospital to honor the memory of Dr. Narayan Kumar “Dr. Vengu” Venguswamy and his wife, Jayanthy Venguswamy. Dr. Vengu was a member of the Georgetown hospital medical staff for 27 years. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Scott County who intend on pursuing a degree in the medical field or in photography. Applicant must be a graduating senior from Scott County High School or Great Crossing High School; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; and plan to be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited four-year college or university in the fall. A non-renewable scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to two recipients. 

W.O. DAVIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The W.O. Davis Memorial scholarship was established to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors attending Woodford County High School who demonstrate significant financial need and have a cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher. Preference given to a first-generation college student. This is a non-renewable scholarship and the award amount varies each year. 

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

DIVERSITY IN KENTUCKY DISTILLING SCHOLARSHIP

The Diversity in Kentucky Distilling Scholarship was established by Castle & Key Distilling in partnership with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild to support scholarships for students of color who have interest in working in the distilling field in Kentucky. The scholarship provides a $5,000 award that is renewable for one additional year of study.

LOREN RICHARDS ELDER CARE SCHOLARSHIP 

The Loren Richards Elder Care Scholarship was established to provide an annual $2,000 scholarship for an upcoming third or fourth year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in a field of study that will prepare them for a career that will have direct impact on the elderly population. This scholarship is renewable for a second year contingent on the recipient remaining a full-time student in good standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. 

STEPHEN L. KELLER SCHOLARSHIP 

The Stephen L. Keller Scholarship was established to support outstanding students from Eastern Kentucky who intend to major in a business-related field. The student must attend an accredited four-year educational institution in Kentucky. Graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students are eligible to apply. The Student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship provides an award of $1,500 that is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. 

THOMAS B. BRIGHT, JR., MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

The Thomas B. Bright, Jr., Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Thomas B. Bright Jr., former president of Kentucky Propane Gas Association. The scholarship provides an award of $1,500 to high school seniors or current undergraduate students who are employees or relatives of employees of companies belonging to the Kentucky Propane Gas Association. Former recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS 

EDITH SCHWAB MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Edith Schwab Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Edith Schwab, Attorney and Deputy Director of the Legislative Research Commission. This scholarship provides a non-renewable award of at least $1,000 to a graduate student pursuing a degree and career in public service. This includes, but is not limited to, fields of study such as public administration, teaching, public health, or social work. Applicant must have excellent academic records, demonstrate financial need, and intend to continue work in Kentucky.