LONDON – Twenty-four high school seniors were presented “I Am UNITE” scholarships totaling $36,000 for being champions for anti-drug efforts during a dinner celebration held Tuesday, May 5, at the London Community Center.

Michael Botticelli, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, joined Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers in recognizing the youth. Also on hand were the presidents or their designees from nine of the 13 colleges and universities where the students will attend classes this fall.

“We don’t give enough credit to our young people, but many of the 2015 UNITE scholarship recipients have persevered through more challenges than any adult in this room,” Rogers said. “The students are the ones who have taught us the most about effective prevention efforts.”

Whether overcoming the loss of a family member or simply determined to be the positive change they want to see in our region, the scholarship recipients have been “Ambassadors” of UNITE’s mission by embracing drug-free lifestyles in their schools and communities, Rogers noted.

Each scholarship is worth $1,500 toward post-secondary expenses. Funding for the scholarships comes from proceeds of the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit, which Operation UNITE has hosted for the past four years.

“We could spend a lot of time talking about the impeccable grades and achievements of these students, but tonight we want to focus on what else makes them stand out – their efforts that make them a part of UNITE,” said Nancy Hale, UNITE president/CEO.

Receiving this year’s scholarships were:

  • Addison Atkin from Rockcastle County High. He will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
  • Cambriana Bobrowski from Owsley County High. She will be attending the University of Pikeville.
  • Kia Bolen from Magoffin County High. She will be attending the University of Pikeville.
  • Avery Bradshaw from Rockcastle County High. He will be attending Somerset Community and Technical College.
  • Jordyn Bray from Somerset High School. She will be attending Campbellsville University.
  • Latasha Cornett from North Laurel High. She will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
  • Reiley Crum from Johnson Central High. He will be attending Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
  • Miranda Dugger from Corbin High. She will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
  • Karilyn Harris from Boyd County High. She will be attending Ashland Community and Technical College.
  • Melinda Hatfield from Belfry High. She will be attending Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
  • Sydney Jones from Shelby Valley High. She will be attending Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
  • Hanna Logan from Whitley County High. She will be attending Somerset Community and Technical College.
  • Angelica Mayo from Corbin High School. She will be attending Liberty University.
  • Olivia Moore from Jackson Independent High. She will be attending the University of Kentucky.
  • Tanner Morris from Harlan Independent High. He will be attending Union College.
  • Savanna Nunnelley from Pineville Independent High. She will be attending the University of the Cumberlands.
  • Tiffany Porter from West Carter High. She will be attending Morehead State University.
  • Steven Prater from Phelps High. He will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
  • Austin Shrum from Knott County Central High. He will be attending Alice Lloyd College.
  • Abigail Smallwood from Shelby Valley High. She will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
  • April Smith from Owsley County High. She will be attending Hazard Community and Technical College (Lee’s Campus).
  • Mikayla Smith from North Laurel High. She will be attending the University of the Cumberlands.
  • Skylar Stacy from Wolfe County High. She will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
  • Autumn Ward from Corbin High. She will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.

The “I Am UNITE” Scholarship program was established by the UNITE Foundation in May 2013, using proceeds from the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit – the largest annual collaboration of professionals in the United States focused on the prescription drug epidemic. To date, the UNITE Foundation has provided scholarships to 66 students.

In addition to the scholarship, students received a framed certificate along with a trophy naming them “UNITE Ambassadors.”

To qualify for a scholarship, a student must:

  • Live within the 32 counties served by Operation UNITE;
  • Be a member of their school-based UNITE Club or served as a team leader during Camp UNITE – our free, three-day, four-night leadership adventure camp for middle school students held at the University of the Cumberlands;
  • Have an average cumulative GPA of 2.75;
  • Participate in a minimum of 25 hours volunteer community service;
  • and, submit an essay explaining how they exemplify the “I Am UNITE” theme.