U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) joined Dr. Eli Capilouto, President of the University of Kentucky, and members of the Lake Cumberland Area UK Alumni Association at a reception at The Center for Rural Development on Monday evening to recognize eight Rogers Scholars graduates from across southern and eastern Kentucky who are all enrolled in UK Law School. 

"I am so proud of all of our Rogers Scholars, but to have eight of our top students enrolled in UK Law School, emphasizes the impressive academic ranks that our students from southern and eastern Kentucky are achieving," said Rogers, who is an alumnus of UK Law School. "I commend Dr. Capilouto, the University of Kentucky and the 16 other colleges and universities that now offer scholarships to Rogers Scholars, recognizing the talent that we have in the mountains. Not only are we making great strides in high school graduation rates and college degrees, but our students are proving they can compete at every level."

Six of the eight UK Law School students are all part of the same graduating class. Students include: Zac Brown of Whitley County, Caitlin Housley of Perry County, Jared Crum of Martin County, Michelle Balaklaw of Pike County, Clay Warriner of Knox County, Seth Coomer of Adair County, Ali Bocook of Casey County and Jenna Reecer Anderson of Monroe County.

“The Rogers Scholars program shows that Kentucky students can compete – and succeed – alongside the best and brightest students across the country,” said President Eli Capilouto. “It’s a pleasure to have so many who are part of the UK family and watch as they earn their degrees and create positive change across the communities they touch.

The Rogers Scholars program was launched in 1998 to provide leadership and college scholarship opportunities for upcoming high school juniors in southern and eastern Kentucky to develop the skills they need to seize their potential as the region's next generation of leaders. 

"I have seen first-hand how the Rogers Scholars program can change the lives of youth in southern and eastern Kentucky,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. “The program provides scholars with real-life experiences in fields such as healthcare and technology, and gives them a chance to understand all that is available to them as a career pathway, including starting their own businesses. What’s more, the program gives them access to scholarship opportunities that enables them to continue on with their education."

Over the last 16 years, more than $7.2 million dollars have been offered to Rogers Scholars.

"The community-service component of the program is very important to the future growth and sustainability of the Appalachian region of Kentucky," said The Center's Community Liaison & Youth Programs Coordinator Delaney Stephens.   "The Rogers Scholars  program provides our youth with essential leadership skills that serve as the foundation of future academic and entrepreneurial endeavors, and inspires them to pursue their careers right at home in Kentucky." 

To learn more about the Rogers Scholars program, visit http://centeryouthprograms.com or call Delaney Stephens at The Center for Rural Development at 606-677-6000.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter @RepHalRogers or on Facebook @CongressmanHalRogers.