School: University of Kentucky

College Major: Doctor of Philosophy in Education Sciences

Scholarship Winnings: $20,000

Scholastic Honors: First Generation College Student
Bachelor’s, summa cum laude
Master’s, summa cum laude

*Summa cum laude “With Highest Honors”
GPA: 3.85 or above

Career Ambition: To be the U.S. Secretary of Education

Talent: Clogging to “Banjo Fantasy”

Social Impact Initiative: Our goal is to equip a students with the power to change the world through reading. When we equip a child with the tools to read, we equip an adult to change the world. Together, let’s create a Read Ready America!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teacher changed my life. She changed the way I looked at myself and my circumstances. She invested in me emotionally and financially at times when my family could not. She would always tell me to “write my own story” and that my future was mine to define. With her encouragement, I’ve gone on to be the first in my family to graduate college, publish 2 children’s books, be recognized for my work as an educator, and continue boldly write my story.