Seven Lawrence County students graduated The Center for Rural Development’s youth programs this summer
Rogers Scholars
Lawrence County High School students Kassidy Burke and Trey Hall graduated the Rogers Scholars program at Morehead State University in July. Burke is the daughter of Jeanette and Michael Burke, of Louisa. Hall is the son of Vernon and Mary Hall, of Louisa.
Rogers Scholars, The Center’s flagship youth program, was established through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) that “no young person should have to leave home to find his or her future.”
The intensive one-week summer program provides valuable leadership skills and opportunities for high school students in 45 Kentucky counties to build their skills as the region’s next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders.
“The Rogers Scholars program challenges students to look at all of the possibilities that are open to them and aims to put them on a path to success at a young age while helping to create well rounded individuals that will go on to change this region forever,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center.
Altogether, Lawrence County High School had three representatives in the Rogers Scholars program. As reported earlier this summer, the program was also held at Lindsey Wilson College in June, which was attended by Lawrence County High School student Victoria Penix.
Also honored at the graduation was 2020 Rogers Scholar Laurel Howard, a senior at Pineville Independent. The 2020 program was held virtually, so last year’s honorees were invited to the 2021 graduation. Toy is the daughter of James Howard and Melissa Howard, of Pineville.
Each graduate of the Rogers Scholars program earns potential access to exclusive scholarship opportunities from some of the state’s top-ranked colleges and universities.
The 2022 application period is November 1, 2021 through January 31, 2022.
Rogers Explorers
Three Lawrence County students graduated the Rogers Explorers program – Brady Vinson, Aubrie Laney, and Kailey Prince. Rogers Explorers is a summer youth leadership program that takes place on five different college campuses throughout the Commonwealth.
Vinson and Prince both represented Louisa Middle School. Vinson is the son of Lawrence and Tammie Vinson, of Louisa. He attended the program at Eastern Kentucky University. Prince is the daughter of James and Anna Prince, of Louisa. She attended the program at Morehead State University (MSU).
Laney, who also attended the program at MSU, represented Fallsburg Elementary School. She is the daughter of Dwayne and Cindi Laney, of Sandy Hook.
Rogers Explorers is open to eighth-grade students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky who have a strong interest in developing their skills in leadership, team building, community service, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields of study.
Rogers Explorers is a three-day and two-night program on a leading Kentucky college campus where experts will guide them through hands-on assignments. The program is provided at no cost to eligible students within The Center’s 45-county primary service area.
Rogers Explorers is presented by The Center in partnership with Lindsey Wilson College, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, Asbury University, and Union College. The 2022 application period is December 1, 2021 through February 28, 2022.
Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute
Lawrence County High School students Maggie Johnson and Luke Parsley graduated the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute in July.
Johnson is the daughter of Holly and Scott Johnson of Louisa. Parsley is the son of Mike and Jodi Parsley, of Louisa.
ELI is a weeklong summer leadership camp for student entrepreneurs. ELI provides high school students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky with an in-depth look at what it takes to start their own business venture — from idea development to building a model prototype of their business concept.
The Center for Rural Development partners with Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation and Eastern Kentucky University to develop the program. During the camp, ELI business teams competed in the Business Concept Challenge competition. Members of the winning team earned a $16,000 scholarship from EKU.
The Center’s youth programs are made possible through the 2021 sponsors: TTAI of Somerset, South Kentucky RECC, Conley Bottom Resort, Outdoor Venture, Community Trust Bank of Somerset, First and Farmers Bank of Somerset, Kentucky Utilities, Lincoln Manufacturing, Forcht Bank of Somerset, and Vaughn and Melton of Middlesboro.
For more information about The Center’s youth programs, contact Allison Cross, community liaison and youth programs coordinator at The Center, at across@centertech.com or call 606-677-6019.
Established in 1996 through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, (KY-05), and other leaders, The Center for Rural Development is a nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In its 45-county primary service region, The Center provides innovative programs in leadership, public safety, technology, and arts and culture. The Center is committed to constantly expanding its capabilities in order to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation.
