Twenty-one high school seniors in the Class of 2021 have been selected to receive “I Am UNITE” scholarships totaling $31,500 for being champions for anti-drug efforts in their schools and communities.
“These scholarships honor youth – whom we call UNITE Ambassadors – who have excelled not only this year, but throughout much of their undergraduate careers, by being champions for anti-drug efforts within their schools and communities,” said Nancy Hale, UNITE President/CEO. “Recipients have provided peer mentorship, leadership, and community service; they serve as an inspiration to others. They are making a difference as a Voice of Hope.”
“UNITE believes Education is the best way to prevent the use of drugs – including alcohol, tobacco and marijuana – particularly among our youth,” Hale stated. “Education also saves lives. These scholarships celebrate those students who stand as examples for others.”
Each scholarship is worth $1,500 toward post-secondary education expenses. Funding for the scholarships comes from private donations to Operation UNITE.
The “I Am UNITE” Scholarship program was established in May 2013.
To date, Operation UNITE has provided scholarships to 198 students.
2021 “I Am UNITE” scholarship recipients
- Brandy Adams, Harlan County High School (Harlan County)
- Taylor Adams, Johnson Central High School (Johnson County)
- Wallace “Caleb” Bates, Breathitt County High School (Breathitt County)
- Hunter Blevins, Harlan County High School (Harlan County)
- Andrew Caldwell, Bell County High School (Bell County)
- Kerrigan Creech, Harlan County High School (Harlan County)
- Ruth Evrard, Oneida Baptist Institute (Clay County)
- Amy Grubb, Clay County High School (Clay County)
- Rodney “Skylar” Haddix, Breathitt County High School (Breathitt County)
- James “Jimmy Ray” Hall, Jenkins High School (Letcher County)
- Jordan Harper, Rockcastle County High School (Rockcastle County)
- Hayley Joseph, Leslie County High School (Leslie County)
- Clayton “Clay” Maynard, Pikeville High School (Pike County)
- Justin Mink, Rockcastle County High School (Rockcastle County)
- Kaleigh Nicley, Harlan County High School (Harlan County)
- Noah Parkey, Rockcastle County High School (Rockcastle County)
- Makala Stambaugh, Jenkins High School (Letcher County)
- Lauryn Terrill, Wolfe County High School (Wolfe County)
- Kristin Thacker, Jenkins High School (Letcher County)
- Paul “Zach” Thompson, Paintsville High School (Johnson County)
- Makenzie “Beth” Werner, Shelby Valley High School (Pike County)