Victoria Penix graduates 2021 Rogers Scholars program
Victoria Penix, current junior at Lawrence County High School, graduated the Rogers Scholars program. Victoria joined 36 graduates at The Center for Rural Development on Friday, June 11th to cap off the weeklong leadership program held on the campus of Lindsey Wilson College. She is the daughter of Victor and Samatha Penix, 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 exclusive college scholarship 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.
Victoria was also honored with the Al Cornett – Bruce Ayers Award, which is given to the student with the second highest application score out of their Scholars’ class. Penix received a handcrafted mountain dulcimer in honor of Al Cornett, a master craftsman from Eastern Kentucky; and Dr. Bruce Ayers, former president of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College and former board member of The Center for Rural Development.
Also honored at the graduation was 2020 Rogers Scholar Rikki Staniford, a senior at Lawrence County High School. The 2020 program was held virtually, so last year’s honorees were invited to the 2021 graduation. She is the daughter of Darlene and Rick Staniford, of Louisa.
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.
