Student-athletes in the state who are involved in agriculture are invited to apply for one of six scholarships and recognition as a 2023 Kentucky Ag Athlete of the Year.
The program is a partnership of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA).
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles says in a statement that perseverance, patience, teamwork, discipline, and goal setting are all attributes athletics and agriculture have in common. He said the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is pleased to join its partners at the KHSAA to once again honor these attributes and reward the commonwealth’s best young athletes and agriculturists. He said their hope is these scholarships help lighten a financial burden for those seeking higher-education excellence in athletics and agriculture.
To qualify, according to KDA officials, student-athletes must be involved in Kentucky agriculture; must participate in one or more KHSAA sports or sports activities during the 2022-2023 school year; must be graduating seniors in high school; and must be accepted to a college, university, or trade school following graduation. They indicate an agriculture major is not required, and preference will be given to Kentucky colleges; however, out-of-state schools will be considered if the applicant is seeking a specialized degree in an agricultural field.
KDA officials say two student-athletes — one male and one female — will be named Outstanding Kentucky Ag Athletes of the Year and will be awarded $2,000 scholarships. Four student-athletes — two males and two females — will be awarded $1,000 scholarships as Kentucky Ag Athletes of the Year. Winners will be announced at the 2023 UK HealthCare Boys’ Sweet Sixteen in March at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
Funding for the scholarships comes from the KDA’s “Ag Tag” program, which is funded by voluntary donations from Kentucky motorists when they buy or renew their farm vehicle license plates. Officials note no state taxpayer dollars are used to fund the scholarship awards.
The deadline for student-athletes to apply online is December 31st. To apply, go to khsaa.org/ge83-agriculture–athlete-of-the-year-scholarship-application/.