Local students named 2010 Rogers Scholars

 Whitley County students Emily Rose and Hunter Williams have been named 2010 Rogers Scholars in the largest class of participants selected by The Center for Rural Development in the history of the 13-year-old youth leadership program.  

Rose, a sophomore at Whitley County High School, and Williams, a sophomore at Williamsburg High School, will be joining 71 high school students from Southern and Eastern Kentucky chosen to develop critical leadership and entrepreneurial skills this summer while attending a one-week session of Rogers Scholars held at The Center’s main headquarters in Somerset.

 “We are expanding Rogers Scholars this summer to give more high school students in The Center’s primary 42-county service area a chance to become part of a program that provides leadership and scholarship opportunities for the region’s future leaders,” Jessica Melton, associate director of education and training, said. “The scores on a number of applications were so close we decided to open the program to additional students, which made this our largest number of participants ever for Rogers Scholars.”

Rogers Scholars—The Center’s flagship youth program—emphasizes the development of technological skills and builds in participants a sense of leadership, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to rural Kentucky.

“Through Rogers Scholars, The Center is helping to change the lives of young people throughout our service region in Southern and Eastern Kentucky by providing critical leadership skills that will equip them to become the region’s next generation of leaders,” Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center said. “I truly believe if we can keep these talented young people at home, we can transform this region for generations to come.”

During the week, Rogers Scholars will participate in team-building exercises, complete a community service project, meet leading business leaders and entrepreneurs, and work as a team to explore their interests in one of three declared majors: engineering, video production, or the newest offering, healthcare. 

“We plan to partner with local and area healthcare providers to give Rogers Scholars a complete, in-depth look at many of the career opportunities and professions in the health sector,” Melton said. “We realize students need to begin thinking about and preparing for their career—whether that is in healthcare or another profession—well before they graduate high school.”

Participants—all rising high school juniors— will represent their home communities at one of two week-long summer sessions of Rogers Scholars planned for June 27-July 2 and July 11-16.

Since 1998, approximately 699 high school students have graduated from Rogers Scholars, and potential scholarships valued at more than $7.2 million have been offered to graduates by 16 participating colleges and universities.

The program, named after U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), continues to support his vision and ultimate goal “…that no young person will have to leave home to find his or her future.”

All expenses, except travel to and from the host site, are provided free of charge to participants and their families.

Rose is the daughter of Richard and Dorcia Rose of Williamsburg.

Williams is the son of Dr. David and Kim Williams of Williamsburg.