Welcome to AppalachianConnection.org

While Appalachian Connection was founded in 2015 and awarded its inaugural scholarship in April 2016, our website has been non-existent. But that’s about to change. Today we are pleased to announce the launch of AppalachianConnection.org.

Better late than never, right?

We are very excited to finally have a website to help spread the word about our mission to send bright, aspiring Appalachian high school students to college. We would like to send out a big thank you to the Appalachian Ministry Network, who generously gifted us the domain name appalachianconnection.org. We would also like to thank you for visiting and encourage you to come back often. Here are a few ways we plan to use our website.

  1. The website will be the portal for all things about the Scholarship and we will introduce the ability to apply online when the time comes.
  2. We plan to have annual events to help us raise money and, just as importantly, have FUN in the community. Check out our Events section to find out what’s coming up.
  3. Our past scholarship recipients will be checking in via Blog posts to let us know how their studies are progressing and what they are up to.
  4. Our Donors section will do features on certain donors from time, so that the community knows who is supporting us and why.
  5. We plan to keep an active Blog, that will feature stories and links to stories we think are important and show our region in a positive light.

Say Hello to Sarah Jo Campbell, Appalachian Connection Scholar 2022!

The team at Appalachian Connection is happy to share the great news! In April, we chose the 2022 Appalachian Connection scholarship recipient. Sarah Jo Campbell is a senior at Hazard High School. Sarah plans to attend Transylvania University this Fall. Her focus will be on science! When she graduates, her plan is to go to medical school and possibly become a cardiovascular surgeon one day. Sarah is passionate about the mountains and wants to contribute her talents and skills to improve health care in Eastern Kentucky!!

Sarah Jo Campbell

Sarah states: “I am truly honored to be the recipient of this prestigious scholarship. Knowing that it comes from fellow Hazard natives (as well as a fellow West Virginian) makes it even more meaningful. I hope to continue their tradition of excellence and one day give back to my community as they have. Because of this Appalachian Connection Scholarship, I will be able to further my education and pursue my dreams. Again, I would like to thank the Appalachian Connection Board for believing in me.”
Appalachian Connection was established in 2015. Its mission is to ease the financial burden of higher education for deserving students in Appalachian schools. Appalachian Connection is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that provides scholarships to four year colleges. The scholarships have a value of $10,000 ($2,500 per year) and are awarded to applicants who demonstrate academic achievement, impact in the community, and a desire to utilize their education to help further our Appalachian region.

Meet Jarrett Napier, Appalachian Connection’s 2021 Scholar

Appalachian Connection is pleased to announce the recipient of its 2021 scholarship.  Jarrett Napier, a senior at Hazard High School, was awarded the scholarship. Jarrett is the son of Scott and Kim Napier of Hazard.

Jarrett Napier

In March 2021, high school seniors in Perry County and Knott County were invited by Appalachian Connection to submit applications for the scholarship.  Out of fourteen applicants, six students were chosen to participate in interviews with the Appalachian Connection Board of Directors on April 21st.  Once the Directors made their decision, Jarrett was contacted by Appalachian Connection Board President, John Cornett. Jarrett will receive a grant in the amount of $10,000 to be used towards his higher education. He plans to begin his studies at Lindsey Wilson College this Fall.

John Cornett states, “Reviewing these applications and meeting these kids is such a wonderful experience.  There are so many impressive students that are going to do great things for themselves, their families, and our region.  Jarrett definitely falls into this category.  He is a leader, not just in academics and athletics but also in the community.  He is very involved with city government today and plans to be in the future.  He has a well defined plan on how to accomplish his future goals and is already starting to save for law school.  We are happy to help alleviate some of his college expenses and provide support as he progresses throughout his career.”

 Jarrett is planning to pursue a degree in accounting and eventually attend law school.  In addition to his academic pursuits, Jarrett is a 2021 City of Hazard Civic Fellow and a talented athlete. He is an avid golfer, a hobby he took up during Covid-19, as well as a member of the Hazard High School varsity basketball and baseball teams.  Jarrett stressed that he wants to use the scholarship to assist with his education so he can return to Hazard and help improve the  community as well as have an impact on the lives of others. 

When asked how he feels about receiving the 2021-2022 Appalachian Connection Scholarship, Jarrett stated, “I am extremely grateful to be the 2021 Appalachian Connection scholar. This connection will help me strive toward fulfilling my goals and improving my education. I am thankful for the opportunities provided by this scholarship and the blessing of having the support of everyone at Appalachian Connection. I am excited to move forward in this process with the help of the Appalachian Connection scholarship.”

Appalachian Connection was established in 2015. Its mission is to ease the financial burden of higher education for deserving students in Appalachian schools. Appalachian Connection is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that provides scholarships to four year colleges. The scholarships have a value of $10,000 ($2,500 per year) and are awarded to applicants who demonstrate academic achievement, impact in the community, and a desire to utilize their education to help further our Appalachian region.

Support Our Appalachian Scholars Now

Seasons Greeting!

It’s been a challenging year and we hope that you and your loved ones have persevered through this difficult time. Our Appalachian Connection scholars have had a very different college experience this year. Stacie, Danika, Kellie and Brysen have all been very successful this semester despite having to take classes online as well as foregoing the traditional college experience.   These students embody the characteristics of Appalachia, which includes strength, determination and humility.

We remain in contact with our scholars to make sure they are doing well and receiving the support they need from our board. We meet with them virtually and have even started a quarterly program to expose them to successful entrepreneurs and role models in our region. We kicked off our first meeting this October with Joey McKenney, the founder and owner of Appalachian Apparel.

As always our mission is to support the young people in our region and their future success.

Learn how your support of Appalachian Connection is making a difference in the life of our 2020 Appalachian Connection Scholar, Brysen Honeycutt of Knott County, a freshman at the University of Kentucky. Brysen shares his experience below.

“Hello! My name is Brysen Honeycutt and I am the 2020 recipient of the Appalachian Connection Scholarship. I just completed my first semester of college at the University of Kentucky in the College of Engineering. Being online for the majority of my courses due to the pandemic created some challenges, but it was also very exciting to get my time in college underway. I look forward to starting back in the spring, and I cannot thank everyone at Appalachian Connection enough for supporting me on my way!” 

Let us move forward together in 2021 and continue to support our Appalachian students. Make your contribution to Appalachian Connection.

Thank you so much! We hope 2021 will bring health, safety and more opportunities to gather together for us all.

Sincerely,

 Appalachian Connection Board of Directors

Brysen Honeycutt – his first day at the University of Kentucky in August

 

Appalachian Connection awards 2020 scholarship

Appalachian Connection is pleased to announce the recipient of its 2020 scholarship.  Mr. Brysen Honeycutt, a senior at Knott County Central High School, was awarded the scholarship. Brysen is the son of Jeff and Kelli Honeycutt of Pine Top, Kentucky.

Brysen Honeycutt

In early 2020, high school seniors in Perry County and Knott County were invited by Appalachian Connection to submit applications for the scholarship.  Three students were chosen to participate in virtual interviews with the Appalachian Connection Board of Directors on April 28th.  Once the Directors made their decision, Brysen was contacted by Appalachian Connection Board President, John Cornett. Brysen will receive a grant in the amount of $10,000 to be used towards his higher education. He plans to begin his studies at the University of Kentucky in the Fall.

John Cornett, President of Appalachian Connection states, “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to meet so many talented young students with bright futures.  This year’s group of applicants were extremely impressive.  Brysen is an amazing and accomplished young man and we look forward to working with him for many years to come.”

Brysen is planning to pursue a degree in engineering.  He wants to make an impact by putting his skills to use to help transform eastern Kentucky.  He recognizes that eastern Kentucky has so much potential with its beautiful landscapes.  Brysen sees that many other communities across the country have transformed their region with tourism and thinks this could be a possibility for eastern Kentucky.

 When asked how he feels about receiving the 2020-2021 Appalachian Connection Scholarship, Brysen stated,”It is an honor to be selected as this year’s Appalachian Connection Scholar. I am thankful for this opportunity to give back to the Appalachian region and to be a part of a great organization!”  

Brysen’s “virtual” interview with the Appalachian Connection selection committee.

Appalachian Connection was established in November 2015. Its mission is to ease the financial burden of higher education for deserving students in Appalachian schools. Appalachian Connection is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that provides scholarships to four year colleges. The scholarships have a value of $10,000 ($2,500 per year) and are awarded to applicants who demonstrate academic achievement, impact in the community, and a desire to utilize their education to help further our Appalachian region.

Congratulations to Brysen!

My time at UK is flying by!

Stacie Fugate, looking like an old pro on her first day back at UK.

I’m starting my junior year at UK and to say it has flown by would be an understatement. There were a couple of semesters where I was unsure of my major, but thankfully I was constantly reassured by family, friends, and the folks at Appalachian Connection that I could do anything I set my mind to. I have decided on being a Political Science Major with a Minor in Appalachian Studies. I’m excited to be working with the Student Government Association as the Director of Promotions as well as a UK Athletics tutor!

An update from Danika- I’m a sophomore!

My first year of college was more difficult than I expected, not necessarily because of the difficulty of my classes, but because the difficulty I found in leaving the many great people I had met, and the town I had grown to love.

Danika Riddle (left), proudly displaying her award for Outstanding First Year Student.

There is a significant amount of difference when I try to compare high school to college, I think because of the freedom that is offered in college. I had such compassionate, encouraging professors, which made the classes that much more enjoyable. I had always heard that professors wouldn’t care, which is simply not true. They are there and they want to help you, you just have to ask. I am majoring in psychology and I’m quite excited that I have been accepted into the McNair Scholars Program for undergraduates who plan on getting a doctoral degree in their major!  I am excited about what my sophomore year at Eastern Kentucky University will bring.

Enter to win A Yeti Tundra Haul cooler and 4 Yeti Rambler 20oz tumblers!

Enter to win a brand new Yeti Tundra Haul cooler and 4 Yeti Rambler 20oz tumblers! This is nearly a $500 value!

That’s right folks, tailgate in style this fall with brand new Yeti gear. It’s guaranteed to keep your food and drinks ice cold, whether you are taking it to the beach, the park, the big game, or anywhere.

Enter to win our sweepstakes and know that ALL proceeds from the sweepstakes will go to our scholarship fund. So you’ll be helping an Appalachian student with their college tuition, all the while getting a chance to win some awesome Yeti gear!

Go to https://appalachianconnection.rallyup.com/yeti to enter!

Appalachian Connection Awards 2019 Scholarship

Appalachian Connection is pleased to announce the recipient of its 2019 scholarship. Ms. Kellie Griffith, a senior at Buckhorn High School was awarded the scholarship on April 16, 2019 at a ceremony at her school. Kellie will receive a grant in the amount of $10,000 to be used towards her higher education. She plans to begin her studies at Morehead State University in the Fall.

Kellie Griifth, the 2019 winner, along with Appalachian Connection board members (from left) George Fitz and Charlotte Fitz

George Fitz, a member of the Appalachian Connection Board of Directors said, “We are so excited to be giving this award to such a wonderful young woman. We are looking forward to following Kellie’s academic career and all of her future endeavors.”

Kellie is planning to pursue a pre-med track while at Morehead. After completing her education at Morehead, she aspires to attend medical school with plans to become a neurosurgeon. Inspired by her family’s background in nursing and medical care, Kellie is passionate about healing and helping people live a healthier life. She intends to use these skills to make a positive impact on eastern Kentucky.

When asked what it meant to receive the 2019 scholarship, Kellie responded, “Receiving this scholarship is very important to me because it shows that other people are able to picture me helping out my community in the future. I plan on providing this area with a service that is very limited and I am so thankful to Appalachian Connection for providing the means for me to do so.”


Appalachian Connection was established in November 2015. Its mission is to ease the financial burden of higher education for deserving students in Appalachian schools. Appalachian Connection is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that provides scholarships to four year colleges. The scholarships have a value of $10,000 ($2,500 per year) and are awarded to applicants who demonstrate academic achievement, impact in the community, and a desire to utilize their education to help further our Appalachian region.

Congratulations to Kellie.

 

 

Enter to win two SECOND ROW seats at Rupp Arena to see UK vs Florida!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The entry period is now over. We are no longer accepting entries. We raised over $1300 thanks to all of our generous participants! We will be announcing the winner on Thursday, February 28 by 5:oopm EST. Check back here then to find out who won!

Calling all UK fans!

Enter to win two 2nd row, half court seats for the Kentucky – Florida game at Rupp Arena on March 9 for Senior Night! Every entry gets you a chance to win these amazing seats and every dollar goes directly to a hard-working Appalachian student’s college tuition.

This picture was taken from the actual seats the winner will receive (that’s the back of Tom Leach’s head in the photo). So don’t wait, enter now for a chance to win the experience of a lifetime, and feel great knowing the money goes to a good cause.

Go to https://appalachianconnection.rallyup.com/uk-florida to enter! And Go CATS!

Donation Match! Run for the Hills 2018

We are very excited to announce that we will be participating in the 2018 Run For The Hills Charity Challenge in Hazard, Kentucky! The event will take place on Saturday, October 6 in downtown Hazard, and representatives from Appalachian Connection will be there to root on and support our dedicated runners. But the good news is that you don’t need to run to participate. You can show up to take part in the fun, or you can use the event to support Appalachia financially by making a donation that will be fully matched up to $5000. That’s right, every penny you donate to Appalachian Connection during the month of October will be doubled by our friends at the Foundation For Appalachian Kentucky!

IMPORTANT: If you choose to make a donation, please do so through our partner’s website, designate Run For The Hills and specify Appalachian Connection in the note section of your donation, otherwise we will not receive credit for the donation.

Since 2011, The Run for the Hills Charity Challenge campaign has put over $1,000,000 of local money back into local organizations that do critical work in our community. Created by the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, the event brings the community together to help raise money as part of the Charity Challenge campaign. The Foundation works with local Charity Challengers to match donations, in order to build permanent endowments for participating organizations like Appalachian Connection. These endowments increase our community’s capacity to do great work, both now and in the future.

Then, on October 6 the community hosts a 5K run/walk through the heart of Hazard to celebrate. Please support us and make your donation by October 31!