Scholar Profiles


Lauren Little

2016 Scholar – Lauren Little

Lauren is a 2016 graduate of Hazard High School. While in high school Lauren served many leadership roles, including Class of 2016 President, founding member of the HHS theater department, Co-editor of the yearbook, and Co-Captain of the Varsity Soccer team. Lauren has also been active in community leadership while growing up in Hazard.

“When I heard I had won this scholarship I was overwhelmed and could not believe what I was hearing, “said Lauren. “It has been such a great help to me and my family. Now that I have graduated, I am attending Alice Lloyd College and have been accepted into the Honors Program. Receiving this scholarship allows me to pay for my room and board, while following a Pre-Med track.”


2017 Scholar – Stacie Fugate

Stacie is a 2017 graduate of Hazard High School and is currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky. Stacie comes to us with a long list of impressive achievements and community service. She has been a member of the soccer team, academic team, and speech team. She has also served on the Appalachia Renaissance Initiative’s Student Senate, working regionally to add young voices to current economic revitalization initiatives.

“Winning this scholarship is nothing short of a wonderful opportunity to say the least. I’m forever grateful for several things, but I’m especially thankful that there is a group of people who want to give back to our community and invest in our future. I plan to use the scholarship to grow as a student and individual so that I can return to Appalachia and pay it forward. I’m beyond proud of where I come from and this opportunity will allow me to prove that.”

Stacie will be keeping us updated on her college experience. Check out Stacie’s Blog for more.


2018 Scholar – Danika Riddle

Danika RiddleDanika is a 2018 graduate of Perry Central High School and was awarded the scholarship on May 8th, 2018 at a ceremony at her school. She is currently attending Eastern Kentucky University. After completing her education, she plans to return to Perry County and pursue a career as a social worker. Inspired by her mother’s selflessness and the support she received from Kentucky River Community Care after the death of her father, Danika is passionate about helping people overcome obstacles. She intends to use these skills to make a positive impact on eastern Kentucky.

As the Appalachian Connection scholarship recipient, Danika says she wants to “show kids of the Appalachian region that going to college is a realistic option that they shouldn’t pass up. With this scholarship I have the potential to assist my region in becoming a place where people want to return.“

Danika will be keeping us updated on her college experience. Check out Danika’s Blog.


2019 Scholar – Kellie Griffith

Kellie is a 2019 graduate of Buckhorn School. She is currently attending Morehead State University. 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.”

Kellie will be keeping us updated on her college experience. Check back soon for updates on her academic and personal achievements!


2020 Scholar – Brysen Honeycutt

Brysen is the first scholarship recipient from Knott County, Kentucky, having attended Knott County Central High School where he scored a very impressive (and perfect) 26 on his ACT! Brysen is attending the University of Kentucky and plans to pursue a degree in engineering.  He wants to make an impact by putting his skills to use to transform critical infrastructure across eastern Kentucky

When asked how he feels about receiving the 2020 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 will be keeping us updated on his college experience. Check back soon for updates on his progress!


2021 Scholar – Jarrett Napier

Jarrett Napier is the recipient of the 2021 Appalachian Connection Scholarship
 
 
Jarrett is a student Lindsay Wilson College.  Jarrett is a native of Hazard. He is a founding member of the Young People’s Association – Hazard/Perry County and an avid sportsman!
“I am super excited to be spending my first semester of college at Lindsey Wilson! I am also excited to be a member of the honors program as well as the men’s golf team. I’ve been kept busy with an array of classes and practices throughout my first few weeks here, but even with my busy schedule I have been able to really enjoy my first semester of college. I can’t wait to move forward in the semester and keep enjoying the great experiences provided by being a Blue Raider!” – Jarrett Napier