Earlier this week, Trigg County High School’s “Scholarship Day” brought forth more than $4.4 million in financial support to the Class of 2026 — a landmark effort for both the students and providers alike.
Denise Young, Trigg’s college/career/postsecondary counselor, said it was the most she’s seen in her four years on the job.
In all, 91 students received a scholarship of some kind, including 25 who received more than $50,000 and 21 who received more than $100,000 over four years.
Particularly, this class had 11 Hagan Scholars: Chloe Adams, Jackson Alexander, Mabry Alexander, Cooper Brame, Sophie Crook, Emma Dowell, Henicey Hodge, Dalton Shepherd, Makenna Southwick, Nathaniel Thielan, and Adriana Westmoreland.
This is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship designed to help students graduate college debt-free. It provides scholars with up to $7,500 per semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. It provides recipients with a practical understanding of important life skills not typically covered in the school curriculum via free workshops, Schwab brokerage accounts, and study abroad opportunities. Nationally, more than 1,200 scholars were selected this year.
More than 70 scholarships came from Murray State University alone. Students also received scholarships from: Hopkinsville Community College, Campbellsville University, University of Kentucky, Ohio Northern University, University of Louisville, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Eastern Kentucky University, Austin Peay State University, Lindsey Wilson University, Roane State Community College, Berea College, Brescia University, and University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Young said that 54 students also earned “Work Ready” certifications, as they proved their ability to work hard in the classroom and balance extracurricular activities.
Local businesses, she said, made this possible, as more than 30 businesses to date have agreed to interview graduates with the “Work Ready” title, provided they meet all other criteria for the position.
In addition to completing an application and resume, students with this credential must have no more than two unexcused absences or tardies during their senior year. Students must also have a 2.5 GPA for the year, be in good behavior standing, participate in at least two extracurricular activities, and successfully defend their Capstone presentation.
Of the 135 students in the class, 131 are college-ready, career-ready, or both.
Aiden Scott has been named the Association of General Contractors Western Kentucky Technical “Student of the Year.”
Furthermore, students who scored a 28 or higher on the ACT were recognized. Such a mark puts students in the 90th percentile against more than 1.3 million who completed the test this year. Chloe Adams, Mabry Alexander, Roslyn Bell, Reilyn Berthume, Sydney Bryant, Maxwell Disney, Piper Mackey, Michael Mahon, Kaylee Mohler, Elizabeth Redd, and Natalia Slover earned the honor.
This year’s salutatorian: Sydney Bryant. Valedictorian: Emma Dowell.
And, last but not least, the Cadiz Rotary Club does more than provide dual credit and “Early College” anchoring. Once again, they provided 20 Rotary scholarships valued at $4,800 over eight semesters, totaling more than $95,000.
President Beth Sumner announced those awardees during Tuesday’s meeting.
Sumner confirmed more than 40 students applied for scholarships this year, making awards as competitive as ever, and that Tuesday’s announcements make the annual Cadiz Rotary Radio Auction “worth the effort.”
The Cadiz Rotary Club grant application process, she added, remains open at this time and can still help students — particularly non-traditional ones — with need-based costs.
