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Ballou, Coleman and Loy are 2026 Rogers Scholars

The Rogers Scholars Program is "Helping Students Build a Future They're Proud Of." This summer, 100 high school students from 45 Kentucky counties will begin that journey by developing their leadership skills as the region's next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders.

Students from Southern and Eastern Kentucky - all rising high school juniors - have been selected by The Center for Rural Development to represent their home counties as members of the 2026 Class of Rogers Scholars, including Sallie Ballou, Ty Coleman, and Ashley Loy of Adair County.

The 2026 Rogers Scholars Program will be held on the campuses of Morehead State University on May 31-June 5, 2026, and Lindsey Wilson University on June 14-19, 2026.

"Congratulations to our newest class of Rogers Scholars," said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. "We are excited to announce this year's Rogers Scholars and cannot wait to meet this amazing group of students. They truly are our region's future leaders, filled with innovative and creative ideas, and ready to take on the world."


Students accepted into the 2026 Rogers Scholars youth leadership program:

  • Adair County: Sallie Ballou, Ty Coleman, Ashley Loy

  • Bath County: Juliana Moore, Grayson Little

  • Bell County: Madilynn Scott, Reagan Day,

  • Boyd County: Carmen Callaway, Stephen Matthies, Josiah Matthies

  • Breathitt County: Gideon Bowling, Tenley Hayes, Brystal Allen

  • Carter County: Camryn Varney, Bentley Waugh,

  • Casey County: Linnie Hoskins, Raegan Lee

  • Clay County: Brynn Blevins, Kadence Nolan, Lilly Smith

  • Clinton County: John Cooksey, Mason Musk

  • Cumberland County: Kennedy England, Kynslee Perdue

  • Elliott County: Miranda Dillon , Jaxon Salyers

  • Estill County: Braelynn Hoke

  • Floyd County: Ava Bailey, Elizabeth Goble

  • Garrard County: Emorie Martin, Sawyer Sutton

  • Green County: Molly Blaydes, Lizzie Booe

  • Harlan County: Addison Fields, Jaxson Perry

  • Jackson County: Avery Stewart, Alexis Cunigan

  • Jessamine County: Kingsely Sharp, Kinsley Teater

  • Johnson County: Olivia Sorrell

  • Knott County: Astyn Combs, Riley Melton

  • Knox County: Sadie Hoffman, Lauren Messer, Tori Wilder

  • Laurel County: Ava Cupp, Riley Gardner, Colton Cox

  • Lawrence County: Herbert "Connor" Bradley, Elle Parsley, Russell Robinson, Mia Domingue

  • Lee County: Emily Barrett, Casey Duncil

  • Leslie County: Chloe Brashear, Kennady Maggard

  • Letcher County: Kimber Collins

  • Lincoln County: Eiryn Estes, Brayden Smith

  • Magoffin County: Kailyn Arnett, Samuel Montgomery

  • Martin County: Brayden Marcum, Elaina Jewell

  • McCreary County: Ashton Kidd, Mika Reed

  • Menifee County: Harper Brown

  • Metcalfe County: Morgan Avery, Lydia Bennett

  • Monroe County: Emma Comer, Maggie Miller

  • Morgan County: Cooper Daniel, Matthew Vance

  • Owsley County: Landon Halsey

  • Perry County: Randa Cornett, Landen Sloas

  • Pike County: Isabella Olegario, Liley Reitz, Issac Lester, Garrett Varney

  • Pulaski County: Nathan Hines, Madilyn Brooks, Madelyn Cheng, Morgan Haney, Hannah Lackey, Laikin Lively

  • Rockcastle County: Adeline Bussell, Autumn Benge

  • Rowan County: Luke Schroeder, Samuel McKenzie

  • Russell County: Addison Coffey, Haylyn Pierce, Kaelyn Campbell

  • Taylor County: Kaysen Thompson

  • Wayne County: Harper Clark, Bryson Decker

  • Whitley County: Elijah Bailey, Pascual White, Paityn Creech

  • Wolfe County: Maddox Brown, Maranda Cox


The 2026 Rogers Scholars Program will be held on the campuses of Morehead State University on May 31-June 5, 2026, and Lindsey Wilson University on June 14-19, 2026. Now in its 28th year, the program has helped high school students build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and connect to educational and career pathways, all while reinforcing that they can build meaningful, successful futures right here in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

For more information about Rogers Scholars, please call 606-677-6000, visit www.centeryouthprograms.com, or email youth@centertech.com.

Established in 1996 through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers, (KY-05), and other leaders, The Center for Rural Development is a nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In its 45-county primary service region, The Center provides innovative programs in leadership, public safety, technology, and arts and culture. The Center is committed to constantly expanding its capabilities in order to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation.


This story was posted on 2026-04-14 15:02:58
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