Thirty students graduate from The Center for Rural Development’s 2019 Rogers Explorers program at Eastern Kentucky University
Thirty students from Southern and Eastern Kentucky graduated from the second class of The Center for Rural Development’s 2019 Rogers Explorers program held June 5-7 on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University.
Rogers Explorers is open to eighth-grade middle school students within The Center’s 45-county primary service area who have a strong interest in developing their skills in leadership, team building, community service, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields of study.
“I loved Rogers Explorers,” said Evan Little of Clinton County. “It was a great opportunity for me to learn new things and meet new friends. I would go back and do it again anytime!”
The Center selected a total of 211 students from throughout the region to attend this year’s Rogers Explorers program. Participants spend three days and two nights on a leading Kentucky college campus where experts guide them through hands-on assignments to help build their leadership skills and explore different career pathways.
“For most of these students, this is the first time they will experience life on a college campus setting and to seriously begin thinking about different career choices before they enter their freshman year in high school,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center. “We want to give students the knowledge and tools they need to discover their career pathways and to plan for the future. Congratulations to all of our Rogers Explorers graduates.”
The following students graduated from the Rogers Explorers program at Eastern Kentucky University: Casey County Middle School—Drekken Pyles; Clinton County Middle School—Ashton Daniels and Evan and Loren Little; Cumberland County Middle School—Abby Duvall; East Carter Middle School—Nathaniel Duncan; Fleming Neon Middle School—Mackenzie Nantz; Garrard County Middle School—Abby Keith; Green County Middle School—Layla Risen; Knox County Middle School—Taylor Payne; Lee County Middle High School—Maggie Johnson; Louisa Middle School—Hanah Whisenant; Meece Middle School—Grace Bruner; Metcalfe County Middle School—Tyler Neal and Whitney Gibson; Monroe County Middle School—Caden Clarkson; Morgan County Middle School—Kye Havens; Northern Middle School—Anna Farmer and Sawyer Gambill; North Laurel Middle School—Cassidy Holcomb; Owsley County High School—Autumn Davidson; Pikeville High School—Maddox Parsons; Rockcastle County Middle School—Kylee Burns; Russell County Middle School—Mason Buras; Science Hill Independent—Callie Eastham; Somerset Christian School—Ashlan Cunnagin; Southern Middle School—Morgan Whitis; Taylor County Middle School—Charles Cox; Wayne County Middle School—Alex Chmura; and West Perry Elementary School—Lucas Gibson.
The Rogers Explorers program is presented by The Center in partnership with Eastern Kentucky University, Asbury University, Lindsey Wilson College, University of the Cumberlands, Morehead State University, the University of Pikeville, and Union College. The program is provided tuition-free to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.
For more information about Rogers Explorers, call 606-677-6000 or email Allison Cross at across@centertech.com. Visitcenteryouthprograms.com to learn more about the program.
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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.
