Several students from the Knox County Public Schools were present during the May Board meeting on Thursday night as they were awarded scholarships established in memory of esteemed former educators. These scholarships, administered through trusts set up with the Knox County Board of Education, are designed to honor these educators’ legacy by supporting local graduates’ academic futures. Each award provides direct financial assistance to the students’ chosen colleges for the upcoming fall semester.
The first scholarship presented was the Knox County Board of Education Members Scholarship. Throughout the year, Board members can choose to have their per diem for monthly meeting expenses paid to an account that will award a scholarship at the end of the school year. The scholarship is specific, to be given to students who have selected a vocational path and a career pathway in that area during high school.
This year’s Board scholar is Daniel Hinkle. Daniel received two rounds of applause during the presentation—first for being a first-generation college student, and again for earning 10 ASE certifications while still in high school.
“This will help me in a major way financially,” Daniel said in his application for the scholarship.
Frank Shelton, communications director, presented the award alongside Board Chairman Kevin Hinkle. Shelton went on to say that Daniel already has a positive future in his mind.
“Going into the field of diesel mechanics, Daniel wants to open his own garage one day,” shared Shelton.
“This will help me better my life and provide a future for my family,” said Daniel.
The James Harve Hampton Scholarship alternates between Knox Central High School and Lynn Camp High School on odd and even years. This year, Knox Central’s Haylee Washam was the recipient named in honor of the former, long-time Knox County superintendent.
In the spirit of the education that Hampton wanted for students, Haylee shared why she felt that public education is essential.
“It promotes social mobility by giving everyone, regardless of background, a chance to develop skills and knowledge.
Haylee plans to attend nursing school at Southeast Community & Technical College upon graduation. She has completed many dual credit classes in high school and completed a CNA class.
“I plan on giving back to my community once I am finished with nursing school,” said Haylee.
The James B. Hampton Scholarship is named in memory of the former educator. Hampton had a particular soft spot for students in the Artemus to Flat Lick area, given the years that he served. It is typically presented to a student who lives in that area of the county.
This year’s recipient was Raegan Black of Knox Central.
“I plan to pursue criminal justice and become a police officer,” Black said in her application.
Reagan plans on attending Eastern Kentucky University. She stated that her choice was based on “EKU having one of the best criminal justice programs in the United States. I want to become a great police officer so that I can help my town. I want to protect the citizens of Barbourville.”
Reagan comes from a big family. “This scholarship will help me attend EKU. I live in a family with five other siblings and my parents will struggle to afford college expenses for that many kids,” said Reagan.
“This scholarship will help me be able to go to college and pursue my dreams.”
The Class of 1950’s reunion established the Clinton B. Hammons Scholarship. In his honor, the class set up a trust with the Board of Education to award one Knox Central student annually with the award.
Emily Brown was selected for this year’s award. Unable to attend, Emily shared in her application that she plans on attending the University of Kentucky and major in nursing.
She stated, “Receiving this scholarship will significantly alleviate the financial burden associated with attending a post-secondary institution. The funds will directly offset expenses such as tuition, textbooks, and other materials. Ultimately, this scholarship will pave the way for enhanced career prospects and personal growth.”