Twenty-one high school seniors in the Class of 2022 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 219 students.

2022 “I Am UNITE” scholarship recipients

  • Michael Luke Baker, Whitley County High (Whitley County)
  • Trevin Bevins, Shelby Valley High (Pike County)
  • Lilly Caballero, Harlan County High (Harlan County)
  • Tiffany Copley, Pikeville Independent (Pike County)
  • Breyden Daniels, Harlan County High (Harlan County)
  • Macy Daugherty, McCreary Central High (McCreary County)
  • Emily Elam, Rowan County High (Rowan County)
  • Kaddance Gasparac, Magoffin County High (Magoffin County)
  • Macy Gullett, Wolfe County High (Wolfe County)
  • Kaley Hall, Harlan County High (Harlan County)
  • Abbey Howard, Letcher County Central (Letcher County)
  • Austin Johnson, Jenkins Independent (Johnson County)
  • Kylie Martin, Rockcastle County High (Rockcastle County)
  • Lillian Napier, Shelby Valley High (Pike County)
  • Sheridan Nash, South Laurel High (Laurel County)
  • Landon Perkins, Harlan Independent (Harlan County)
  • Meghan Roberts, Clay County High (Clay County)
  • Natalie Rose, Jackson County High (Jackson County)
  • Rachel Runions, Bell County High (Bell County)
  • Kennedi Sandlin, Knott County Central (Knott County)
  • Erin Smith, Breathitt County High (Breathitt County)