Mayor Honors Outstanding High School Seniors

Mayor Greg Fischer on Monday honored 49 public, private and Catholic students who have excelled in and out of the classroom with his annual Outstanding High School Seniors Award.

This year’s recipients include immigrants from Nicaragua, Cuba, Mexico and other countries, along with students who have overcome illness, personal struggles, disabilities and behavioral issues to achieve success.

The students include 16 National Honor Society members, nine Governor’s Scholars, two National Merit finalists and others who have excelled in the arts and on the sports field. Nearly all of the students have plans for college, and three are enlisting in the military.

All have contributed to their community through service work, including several involved in the Mayor’s Give A Day week of service and the international WE Day.

“These students have shown resiliency and a commitment to learning and to compassion,” the Mayor said. “We celebrate them, and we hold them up as models for other students in our community.”

Principals and guidance counselors at public, private and Catholic schools throughout Louisville nominated students for the award, which were presented in a ceremony on Monday evening at Metro Hall.

Ford is the presenting sponsor of the Outstanding High School Seniors Award, which began in the mid-1980s. AT&T and C&H Audio Visual Services are supporting sponsors.

 2017 Mayor’s Outstanding High School Seniors

• Shelby Wilbert, Academy @ Shawnee
  • Shelby is a passionate student who has excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. She is a member of her school’s Drill team, Color Guard team, Academic team, Quick Recall, Science club, student government, and is captain of the Shawnee Swim team. Shelby is a cadet commander with the Navy Junior ROTC, and as a member of the Aviation program, she is pursuing her private pilot’s license. With a 4.17 GPA, Shelby is on track to become Valedictorian of her class. She plans to attend the Naval Academy or Air Force Academy and become a pilot.
• Sarah Metzger, Assumption High School
  • Sarah is in the top 5 percent of her class and has maintained a 4.0 cumulative GPA all four years. Sarah was named Defensive Player of the Year for the Assumption softball team and was chosen for the 7th Region Junior All-Stars Softball team. Sarah is president of Mu Alpha Theta and the Math Honor Society. She is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and is the Editor-in-chief for the school newspaper. With more than 150 hours of community service, Sarah works to spread compassion to others in need. Sarah plans to study Engineering in college.
• Courtney Kennedy, Ahrens Work Transition Program
  • Since coming to Ahrens, Courtney has gained independence in school and in the community. She has learned to ride TARC and is able to travel independently in the community. She has strengthened her communication skills and is proud of her personal growth. Courtney is active as a member of the Special Olympics basketball, softball, track and cheerleading teams. Courtney works at Panera and spends her free time volunteering in the community, including at St. Albert Catholic Church. After finishing the Ahrens Work Transition Program, Courtney plans to continue working at Panera and playing sports.
• Ryann Schoenbaechler, Atherton High School
  • While taking both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, Ryann has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. She balances her intense course load with demanding extracurricular activities. Ryann is a member of the swim and cross country teams. She is also a member of the school’s Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society and served as the leader of the WE Day Community Service Club. Ryann is a lifeguard at Mary T. Meagher Aquatics Center. For her community service, she has been honored with the Most Valuable Volunteer Award and the President Service Award. She is a Vogt Scholarship recipient. After graduation, Ryann will attend the University of Kentucky Honors Program.
• Cole Roberts, Ballard High School
  • With a 4.3 GPA, Cole is a member of Beta club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and is a Governor’s Scholar. Cole is also a member of the Spanish club, FBLA, golf team and Young Life club. He served as Junior Class President and has been a Student Ambassador for two years. While Cole was attending the Governor’s Scholars Program in the summer after his junior year, his mother passed away, an experience that has taught him the value of perseverance in the face of difficulty. Cole plans to study business and sports administration in college.
• Thomas Crawford, Bethlehem High School
  • Thomas is an active student-athlete with a passion for success. He is a member of the baseball, football and weightlifting teams, and served as Sophomore Student Council President. Thomas is a news anchor for Bethlehem’s Star News. In his spare time, he volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul and a local nursing home. During Thomas’ freshman year, his father passed away, which forced him to grow up quickly and take on a new role at home. He is determined to make his dad proud. Thomas plans to attend the University of Kentucky, majoring in Sports Broadcasting or Marketing.
• Mark Flint, Binet School
  • Mark has overcome many challenges within his time at the Binet School. Initially, Mark struggled to make eye contact and converse with others, but having learned valuable communication skills, Mark now is a member of the Room 119 Club of Best Friends. He has a full-time job with UPS and recently received a $1,000 bonus for his outstanding work there. In his spare time, Mark volunteers through the Binet School and in the community. Mark plans to continue to work at UPS, hang out with his friends, and be as independent as possible.
• Annabelle Ramirez, Butler Traditional High School
  • Annabelle is a well-rounded individual dedicated to her school, her softball team and her community. An academic standout, Annabelle ranks in the top 10 percent of her class. She has served as class president for the last three years and is a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society. She was selected as a Kentucky Governor’s Scholar and was nominated as Miss Butler, an award voted on by the school faculty that recognizes the most outstanding Butler senior. Annabelle will attend Lindsey Wilson College, where she will also play softball and pursue a degree in mathematics.
• Milagros Idiaquez Lopez, Central High School
  • Milagros shows bravery, confidence and intelligence in all that she accomplishes. Five years ago, Milagros traveled to the United States from Nicaragua. Now a U.S. citizen, Milagros has not only learned to speak English, but also leads her peers in academics. Milagros is a member of the National Honor Society and the drama club. She was also a member of the Teen Court at the Hall of Justice during her sophomore year. Milagros has volunteered at the Legal Aid office and was recently hired as a part-time employee there. Milagros will attend Centre College with plans to attend law school.
• Claire Smith, Christian Academy of Louisville
  • Claire is a valuable resource for her school and her classmates, as she is involved in numerous extracurricular activities. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Spanish club, yearbook staff and is serving as a class officer for the third year. She is a Governor’s Scholar and a member of the Christian Academy Honor Guard. Her community service work includes helping the Meals on Wheels program and the Louisville Rescue Mission. Claire has also traveled to Haiti and Romania for mission trips. Claire plans to attend Centre College, where she will major in economics.
• Andre Murphy, Churchill Park School
  • Andre has not let a severe learning disability overshadow his passion for success. Andre has completed Churchill’s Alternate Assessment Program and demonstrates functional work skills in his community outreach and volunteer efforts. Andre is a Special Olympics athlete in bowling and swimming. He often volunteers for the JCPS Clothing Assistance Program; waters plants at the Churchill Downs greenhouse; and greets guests and does other work at the Kentucky Science Center. Andre plans to attend an adult day program where he can continue to volunteer and participate in community experiences.
• Garrett Alvey, DeSales High School
  • Garrett ably balances the demands of many responsibilities while maintaining high academic grades. With a weighted GPA of 4.27, Garrett has earned several school awards, including the DeSales Academic Gold Bar and President’s List. Garret is a leader in school and on the baseball field. He is an active participant in many student organizations like National Honor Society, Beta Club, KUNA, KYA and Environmental Club. Garrett volunteers his time at local churches and food drives. After graduation, Garrett plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and to continue his volunteer work.
• Bobbi Wall, Doss High School
  • Bobbi is in the top 10 percent of her class and is the president of the Beta Club and the Ladies of Leadership club. She is also vice president of the National Honor Society and is the recipient of a Woodford R. Porter Scholarship at the University of Louisville. Family challenges forced Bobbi to move often among new cities and schools when she was younger, but   she has been able to attend Doss High School all four years, and her family is doing well. Bobbi volunteers with Junior Achievement, the YMCA, and is a cheerleading coach. Bobbi will attend the University of Louisville and major in pre-med.
• Richard Wilson II, duPont Manual High School
  • Richard is a member of the Math, Science and Technology magnet at Manual and is very involved in student organizations like the Black Student Union, the Student Y-Club and the Manual Student Steering Committee. Richard is fluent in Spanish and plays the piano for the Louisville Leopard Percussionists. Richard spends his time volunteering at his church, the Salvation Army and has participated in several mission trips. At a young age, Richard faced a physical condition that prohibited him from forming words, but through surgery and therapy, he has overcome that challenge and excelled. Richard plans to pursue a career in medicine.
• Anthony Henry, Eastern High School
  • Anthony is a leader in the classroom and in the community. As senior class president, Anthony uses his talents to connect with his classmates and inspire others. Anthony has lived as a foster child with the Coleman family through his high school years, and has thrived. He uses his experiences to mentor other individuals in a Teen Ministry Program. As a regular volunteer at the VA hospital, Anthony has been awarded an academic scholarship for his hard work. He plans to attend the University of Louisville Nursing Program in the fall.
• Olivia Coxon, Evangel Christian School
  • Olivia is at the top of her class academically and has shown a commitment to the fine arts. She has many creative writing awards and is involved in theater arts. With a busy schedule and extracurricular activities, Olivia has learned to manage her time to be successful in and out of the classroom. She volunteers at nursing homes, prisons and homeless shelters. She has traveled to different states on mission trips, and teaches arts and crafts during summers at Vacation Bible School. Olivia said she is keeping her options open for college and is trusting in God’s plan for her future.
• Heba Aljumaily, Fairdale High School
  • Heba maintains a 4.47 GPA while also completing several courses at Jefferson Community and Technical College. Heba is involved in several student organizations, including chamber orchestra, Beta Club, National Honor Society and JCPS IdeaFestival. Heba volunteers at a local mosque, the Humane Society and other community organizations. As a Muslim, Heba works to honor her cultural traditions while breaking stereotypes and spreading awareness about her faith. Heba will be the first child in her immigrant family to attend college. She plans to pursue a degree in Biology at the University of Louisville and become an OB/GYN Physician.
• Iishe Davis, Fern Creek High School
  • Iishe has completed several Advanced Placement courses and is in the top 1 percent of her class. She will graduate as valedictorian and is committed to several student organizations, including Beta Club, National Honor Society, band, and the cooking club. She volunteers at her church and at the Jefferson Memorial Forest. Iishe lives with her grandparents and initially was apprehensive about the financial burden of college. However, Iishe is a QuestBridge Scholar, a Governor’s Scholar and an AP Scholar, all of which have made it possible for her to attend Scripps College in Claremont, California in the fall.
• Allison Haycraft, Holy Cross High School
  • Allison is a dedicated student-athlete who has overcome personal struggles to reach her goals. The year 2010 was especially difficult as her parents divorced and her 4-year-old brother died of kidney cancer. Through these hardships, she has learned to be optimistic and to channel her energies in areas like field hockey. Allison has earned many accolades on and off the field. She volunteers at Gilda’s Club, Masonic Homes, the Kentucky School for the Blind and various other organizations. Allison plans to attend Lindenwood University in Missouri and play field hockey.
• Michael David, Iroquois High School
  • Michael has overcome family difficulties and homelessness to be a model for his classmates. Now living with a classmate, Michael shows to up to school every day with a hunger for learning. He has been honored with the Senior Positive Role Model award and is chairman for the school-wide Alcohol/Drug Free Lifestyle campaign. Michael has joined the National Guard Reserves and completed Boot Camp last summer. He plans to attend Simmons College or JCTC.
• Evan Thompson, J. Graham Brown School
  • Evan is a mature, hardworking student who has overcome personal struggles. Evan and his sister have been raised by their grandparents. Recently, Evans grandfather passed away, giving Evan more responsibility at home. When not busy helping his grandmother or sister, Evan can be found competing on the school’s basketball, soccer and cross country teams. He is a member of the Kentucky United Nations Assembly, National Honor Society and was recognized by Centre College for its Centre Fellows Program. Evan hopes to attend the University of Louisville’s Speed School and study Civil Engineering.
• Jonathan Johnson, Jefferson County High School, Ahrens’
  • Jonathan enrolled in Jefferson County High School at the end of January and needed only three half credits to complete graduation requirements. Taking double sessions and working outside of class time, Jonathan completed his coursework within 30 days. He is proof that anything can be accomplished with effort and determination. Jonathan has spent the majority of his life in foster care, which makes him a little cautious in new environments, but still, Jonathan’s compassion and optimistic personality shine. Jonathan has been awarded a full scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University.
• Landon McClellan, Jefferson County High School, Iroquois
  • Landon is the first student to ever earn 38 half credits at JCHS. Students are able to work at their own pace, but Landon doubled his course load to graduate in less than two years instead of four. His determination and perseverance allowed him to achieve more than the average student. Landon maintained his busy school schedule while balancing a job at Kentucky Kingdom and holding a position in the machine shop at JCHS. JCHS is thrilled by Landon’s performance and wishes him the best as he follows in his father’s footsteps by joining the military.
• Dominic Cowan, Jeffersontown High School
  • Dominic balances a rigorous course load, while also serving in the school’s ROTC program, which awarded him its Academic Excellence Award. Dominic has autism, which affects his ability to stay on task, remain organized, and socially interact with others on a daily basis. Even so, he is a certified Software Program inventor and has participated in regular education classes After graduation, Dominic plans to earn a bachelor’s degree and work in the video game design industry.
• Izah Ahmed, Kentucky Country Day School
  • Izah is taking one of the toughest schedules KCD has to offer, yet she maintains a 4.0 GPA and is in the top 15 percent of her class. While working hard in the classroom, Izah is involved in many extracurricular activities like the Multicultural Club, KUNA and the Community Service Club. As a senior class officer, Izah will help plan her class graduation ceremony. She is a model student and best exemplifies the KCD motto: Citizen, Scholar, Steward. Izah will attend the University of Kentucky Honors College.
• Jaquan Franklin, Liberty High School
  • Jaquan has overcome the challenges of foster care to pursue his education and community service with determination. Jaquan is a member of the Men of Quality group at Liberty and enjoys helping other young people reach their full potential. He has earned awards in AAU basketball and helps feed the homeless and reads to elementary students. Jaquan plans to attend Northern Kentucky University and earn a degree in Video Game Design.
• Melissa Vaz-Ayes, Louisville Collegiate School
  • Melissa has taken the most rigorous course load offered at Collegiate. She is involved in various extracurricular activities, including a rock band, the crew team, chess club, the robotics club, the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She has a strong interest in science and has even been helping her mother, who held a medical degree in Cuba, study for medical school here. Melissa has been translating her mother’s textbooks and helping her prepare for tests. This experience and her interest in science have influenced Melissa to pursue a career in medicine upon graduation.
• Carly Williams, Louisville Male High School
  • As an honor roll student, Carly is a member of the Louisville Male High School orchestra and is an active member in her Bible study group. Due to family situations and obligations, Carly is unable to participate in many extracurricular activities but she’s shown herself to be a strong, mature young woman. Her teachers and counselor are amazed by Carly’s strength and perseverance. Carly plans to major in engineering at Murray State.
• Aissata Sackho, Marion C. Moore High School
  • As a native of Senegal, Aissata and her sister came to the United States just five years ago but already has become a U.S. citizen, learned English and adopted a new culture. Aissata is in the Advanced Placement program and balances a difficult course load, several extracurricular activities and volunteer hours. She is a certified nursing assistant and will become a certified pharmacy technician in May. She will be the first in her family to graduate high school, and plans to go to Transylvania University as a pre-med major.
• AJ Ruppert, Mary Ryan Academy
  • AJ has maintained high grades and consistently pushes through demanding courses. AJ is a member of the Sources of Strength group that supports peers and educates others on suicide prevention. AJ loves sports, music and is a member of community chess clubs. When AJ is not busy with school, he often volunteers his time at Camp Crooked Creek. AJ and his father travel throughout the state to tune organs for churches. AJ is a compassionate leader in his school and community. AJ would like to attend the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Center and become a businessman or educator.
• Rebecca Dever, Mercy Academy
  • Rebecca is an honor roll student with many accolades, including being named a Governor’s Scholar and University of Louisville Book Award recipient. She has been honored with the Spirit Alive, Leslie Sheehan and Gold awards for her 14 years as a Girl Scout, receiving the latter honor after she single-handedly restored the River Valley Cemetery. Rebecca repaired headstones there to help bring awareness to the conditions of cemeteries for the homeless in our community. Rebecca is still deciding between the University of Notre Dame, Purdue University and the University of Louisville. She plans to major in Chemical Engineering.
• McKenzie Roll, Phoenix School of Discovery
  • McKenzie balances a 3.9 GPA and several extracurricular activities, including yearbook, tech team, graphic design club, and she is also a senior class officer. McKenzie has used her artistic talents to create a school mural, direct a holiday play and produce a music video. She is a strong individual who has overcome bullying and issues with anxiety. The Phoenix School of Discovery has allowed her to thrive and become a confident leader. McKenzie volunteers regularly and has a strong desire to help her community. McKenzie will be attending Georgetown College to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Biology.
• Sara Creech, Pleasure Ridge Park High School
  • Sara, a class officer and member of the National Honor Society, balances Advanced Placement courses and several extracurricular activities. She is a Governor’s Scholar, Valedictorian and an honor roll student. Sara is an active member of the Valley View Baptist Church and often volunteers as a camp counselor. Growing up in a house of six brothers and sisters, Sara has always pushed herself to stand out and works to help pay for her education. She will attend Western Kentucky University’s Honors College and major in Business Administration.
• Sydney Gregory, Portland Christian School
  • As vice president of his school’s National Honor Society, Sydney enjoys taking charge and working toward a common goal. Sydney is a distinguished student and artist, honored with several art awards from the Kentucky State Fair and the Association of Christian Schools International. Sydney is very involved in her church, Southeast Christian, where she volunteers in the technical department, the nursery and as served as a small group leader. Sydney will study visual communications and attend the Honors Program at Northern Kentucky University.
• Vivian Bowles, Presentation Academy
  • Vivian is a distinguished high school senior working toward her goal of a government career. Vivian is a Governor’s Scholar and has received the Bobby Householder scholarship and the Sophia Award. Vivian is graduating in the top 10 percent of her class. She spends her time away from the classroom competing on the track and field and cross country teams. Vivian gives back to her local community and others around the world, travelling with the Hearts in Motion Mission group to Guatemala and worked with individuals in Auxier, Kentucky, through Hand in Hand ministries. Vivian plans to pursue political science and Spanish at Centre College.
• Anna-Maria Beck, Sacred Heart Academy
  • Anna-Maria was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of 7. She has had to travel during the school year for treatments. Despite all of her medical hardships, she has achieved at 3.8 GPA. Anna-Maria has been working with UL Raise Red, Norton Children’s Hospital and Bourbon and Bow Ties to fund cancer research. She has spent over 250 volunteer hours at Gilda’s Club as well. Anna-Maria has been named the Norton Healthcare Bourbon and Bow Ties Volunteer of the Year and was the honorary speaker at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance annual meeting. Anna-Maria is still in the fight as she continues with treatment, trials and medical procedures. Anna-Maria plans to attend Bellarmine University.
• Matthew Siciliano, St. Francis School
  • Matthew holds a 4.25 GPA and competes on the varsity soccer and tennis teams. He volunteers at the Kentucky Science Center and his church. Matthew has received many honors including being named a National Merit Finalist, receiving the Harvard Book Award and graduating as an Advanced Placement scholar with distinction. Matthew has not yet decided where he we will attend college, but his options include: Washington University-St. Louis, the University of Notre Dame, Case Western, Carleton, Boston College, William and Mary and the University of Virginia.
• Patrick McSweeney, Saint Xavier High School
  • Patrick has been battling leukemia since the age of five. He is a five-time cancer survivor and continues to travel to Philadelphia for extended periods of chemotherapy and radiation. Despite these medical issues, Patrick has maintained a 3.99 GPA and is graduating in the top five percent of his class. Patrick is a member of Gilda’s Club Teen Board and a Meghan’s Mountain Board. Both of these organizations help promote pediatric cancer research. Patrick is interested in engineering or actuarial science. He has not yet decided on college, but his choices are the University of Louisville, Bellarmine, Ohio State, Xavier and the University of Kentucky.
• Julia Easley, Seneca High School
  • Julia maintains the highest GPA for the Seneca High School class of 2017. She was selected as a Governor’s Scholar and is the president of her senior class. Julia is also a member of the Academic Team, the Mock Trial Team, National Honor Society and Beta Club. Julia also served as a mentor to other students applying to GSP this year. She transitioned to Seneca from a small private school and had to adjust to the daily routine of a large urban high school. Her work ethic is evident. She plans to attend either Transylvania University or Centre College.
• Yaneli Encarnacion, Southern High School
  • Yaneli is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and the recipient of the Southern High School Scholastic award. Yaneli is a member of many student organizations including, Quick Recall, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Best Buddies, Gay Straight Alliance, marching band and many more. Yaneli competes on the soccer, tennis, archery and lacrosse teams for Southern High School. Yaneli began her journey to the United States from Mexico when she was just 3 years old. It was a difficult trip that included pursuit from authorities and separation from family. Yaneli aspires to be an obstetrics nurse and help bilingual mothers during their pregnancy.
• Gabriela Bermudez, South Park TAPP
  • Gabriela is an honor roll student who excels in the classroom, while balancing one of the hardest jobs of all, motherhood. She is also the editor of the school newspaper, a member of the Future Educators of America and vice president of the Leading Ladies. Gabriela also gives her time to help others in the community by volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul, the Fairdale Lions Club and tutoring students at the Backside Educational Program. She maintained a 4.0 GPA all four years of high school. Gabriela will attend Berea College.
• Zachary Allen, Trinity High School
  • Zachary is an exemplary student and an active community member. Zachary is a Trinity Steinhauser Scholar, a Governor’s Scholar and a National Merit Finalist. Zachary competes on various intramural sports teams and coaches for a local grade school team. Zachary volunteers at the St. John’s Homeless Center, St. Vincent de Paul and Down Syndrome of Louisville. He has been a strong supporter of his mother during her fight with breast cancer and has accompanied her during her treatments. His mother is now cancer free and this experience has made him realize how quickly life changes. Zachary will attend the University of Kentucky and take pre-med courses.
• Marie Kannapel, Valley High School
  • Marie is a strong and focused student, as evidenced by her participation as a Governor’s Scholar, Beta Club member and Valley High School class president. She is the volleyball team captain and a committed volunteer at the Sun Valley Community Center. Marie frequently suffers from migraines, and would like to find a cure. She Marie plans to major in biology, attend medical school and eventually open her own migraine clinic.
• Desiree Cole, Waggener High School
  • Desiree does not let anything stop her from attaining her dreams and reaching new goals. Desiree is in the most rigorous and demanding classes offered at Waggener. She has a 4.12 GPA and has represented her high school at several national conferences, where she speaks to educators, community members and policy makers about new learning objectives. Desiree will be attending the University of Louisville’s Speed School, where she will pursue a degree in Bioengineering. Ultimately, Desiree plans to obtain her master’s degree and attend medical school.
• Sarah Haney, Walden School
  • Sarah is a National Merit Finalist and has been on the honor roll since freshman year. Sarah is very involved in Kentucky YMCA youth programs, National Honor Society and the Key Club. She also competes on the volleyball and track teams. While balancing academics, sports and student activities, Sarah has also been caring for her blind and cognitively disabled sister, while her mother was battling breast cancer. Sarah is a resilient and caring individual who has spent more than 700 hours completing community service during her high school career. Sarah has not yet decided where she will go to college, but she plans to study international relations/politics and music.
• Blair Satori, Western High School
  • Blair maintains a high GPA while balancing a rigorous academic schedule, volunteer work and extracurricular activities. Blair is a member of the Student Activities Club, the Culinary Arts Program and the LGBTQ club. Blair was chosen to represent Western in a leadership conference in New York City last summer. His research culminated in an award-winning short film documenting diversity. Blair was the founder of the LGBTQ club at Western and is an active volunteer for the Louisville Youth Group, which provides support and acceptance for the LGBTQ community. Blair plans to attend Jefferson Community Technical College and obtain a Culinary Arts degree.
• Heather Glidewell, Westport TAPP
  • Heather is dedicated to pursuing her dreams and providing the best future for her child. Heather is the recipient of the Westport TAPP Outstanding Student Award and is an honor roll student. She is the president of the Future Business Leaders of America and a member of SMART (Science, Math, And the Right Technology). She enjoys volunteering and has helped develop fundraisers like the Breast Cancer Walk-A-Thon, Dare to Care collections and Pennies for Patients. Heather is on her way to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. She has been accepted to the University of Louisville and plans to pursue her passion for nursing.
• Grace Vazquez, Whitefield Academy
  • Grace is a top student who has turned her love of horses into a community outreach project and a career path. Grace has been riding since she was 12 and volunteers her time to educate children about the animals. Grace is dedicated to helping others, including acting as a caretaker for her mother who underwent cancer treatment last year. In the midst of that difficult situation, Grace was able to balance a very challenging course load and outside employment. Grace plans to attend the University of Kentucky and double major in Equine Science and English.
• Stephanie Solis, Youth Performing Arts School
  • As a theater major, Stephanie has learned to be at ease in front of an audience, and she uses this confidence to achieve new goals. Stephanie is a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and an active volunteer in the community. Stephanie’s parents came from Honduras and Mexico to find a better quality of life in the United States. Stephanie plans on majoring in Sociology and Spanish so she can focus on social justice issues within the Latino/Hispanic community. She has applied to several schools in Kentucky to pursue her bachelor’s degree.