KCTCS Celebrates 2025 Scholars for Academic Excellence

News Summary

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System has recognized 32 outstanding graduating students as the 2025 KCTCS Scholars. These students demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership, and community involvement across the KCTCS institutions. Each scholar will receive an honorary certificate and may qualify for a stipend to support their further education or career endeavors, showcasing the commitment to fostering skilled workforce in Kentucky.

Frankfort, Kentucky – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has announced the 2025 KCTCS Scholars, celebrating a group of 32 outstanding graduating students recognized for their academic achievements, leadership abilities, campus involvement, and commitment to community service. This year’s scholars represent each of the 16 KCTCS institutions, showcasing a broad range of disciplines from nursing to industrial technology.

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles emphasized the significance of these scholars, stating that they embody the promising future of Kentucky’s workforce. Each selected scholar will receive an honorary certificate, along with the opportunity to qualify for a stipend of up to $500, designed to help them either start their careers or pursue further education at four-year universities. These stipends are funded by local college foundations, with additional support from the KCTCS Foundation.

The prestigious honor is reserved for students who have maintained an impressive Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher over their academic tenure. The selection process also takes into account students’ contributions to their colleges and the wider community, as well as their leadership skills.

List of 2025 KCTCS Scholars by College

The following students have been recognized as 2025 KCTCS Scholars:

• Ashland Community and Technical College
  • Kate Bryant, medical information technology
  • Eric Byrd, associate of science
• Big Sandy Community and Technical College
  • Dazia Thomas, associate of science
  • Layla McFarland, nursing
• Bluegrass Community and Technical College
  • Miriam Ponder, associate of science
  • Sara Toori, computer engineering technology
• Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
  • Jeffrey Stewart, associate of science
  • Shauna Zuniga, associate of applied science
• Gateway Community and Technical College
  • Claire Hengehold, associate of science
  • Sakinah Johnson, industrial technology maintenance
• Hazard Community and Technical College
  • James Hall, electrical technology
  • Brianna Imhoff, nursing
• Henderson Community College
  • Jacob Housley, associate of arts
  • Justin Wernicke, industrial maintenance technology
• Hopkinsville Community College
  • Olivia Lancaster, associate of science
  • Tyler Couch, associate in applied science
• Jefferson Community and Technical College
  • Jesse Smith, associate of arts
  • Prajawal Acharya, associate of arts
• Madisonville Community College
  • Dru Lile, associate of arts
  • Lauren Ingram, associate in applied technology
• Maysville Community and Technical College
  • McKinnley Dietrich, associate of arts
  • Chris Humphries, associate of applied science
• Owensboro Community and Technical College
  • Purani Kannan, associate of arts and associate of science
  • Julia Mullen, associate of science
• Somerset Community College
  • Zachary Brown, associate of science
  • Megan Henderson, physical therapist assistant
• Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
  • Roberto Amador, associate of applied science
  • Alex Smith, associate of arts
• Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
  • Jeremiah Johnson, associate of applied science
  • Jessica Gray, nursing
• West Kentucky Community and Technical College
  • Samantha Murray, associate of science
  • Joan McLeod-Philbee, associate of applied science

Special Awards

In addition to the honors bestowed upon the KCTCS Scholars, special awards were given to:

• Sheri Tipton, medical information technology
• Marissa Graham, associate of science
• Connor Denney, associate of science

Significance of KCTCS Scholars Program

The KCTCS Scholars Program is an initiative aimed at promoting excellence in Kentucky’s higher education system. By recognizing and rewarding students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership, KCTCS emphasizes its commitment to building a skilled workforce for the future.

As these scholars move forward into their careers, they represent the high standards of education and community involvement that KCTCS upholds. The program not only benefits the individual students but also strengthens the communities they will serve and the economy they will help develop.

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Additional Resources

• NKY Tribune
• Kentucky New Era
• Paducah Sun
• Kentucky.com
• Fox 56 News
• Wikipedia: Kentucky Community and Technical College System
• Google Search: KCTCS scholars program
• Google Scholar: KCTCS scholars
• Encyclopedia Britannica: KCTCS
• Google News: KCTCS scholarship