10 new McConnell Scholars announced

(Aug. 6, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Ten outstanding Kentucky students will join the University of Louisville this fall as part of the McConnell Scholars Program.
10 new McConnell Scholars announced

The students were welcomed to the McConnell Center this summer with an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they met with government officials at the State Dept., Supreme Court, National Archives and on Capitol Hill. They also traveled to George Washington’s Mount Vernon for an orientation to the life and legacy of America's first president.

“This is a top-notch class,” said Dr. Gary Gregg, director of the McConnell Center. “They are smart, engaged, and ambitious young leaders who we are glad to have at the University of Louisville.”

The McConnell Scholars Program is a premier scholarship and educational enrichment program for high-achieving student leaders established in 1991 by U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and the University of Louisville.

Only ten graduating seniors from across Kentucky are annually awarded this scholarship, which along with funds for tuition, carries with it the opportunities to develop leadership skills, meet top political leaders, take part in liberal arts seminars and "great books" discussions, intern in Washington, and study abroad to the People's Republic of China.

Recent scholars have met dignitaries including two U.S. presidents, Supreme Court justices, secretaries of state, cabinet members, ambassadors, foreign dignitaries, senators and noted authors.

Nearly 150 McConnell Scholars have graduated from the McConnell Center and pursued careers in government, politics, law, the military, medicine and education. Several have also received Truman and Fulbright Scholarships.

The 10 new scholars were chosen following an extensive recruitment and evaluation process that included two daylong interviews with university and McConnell Center representatives.

The 10 new McConnell Scholars are:

  • Jaymar Bonet of Radcliff. Bonet, a graduate of Central Hardin High School, plans to major in political science and Spanish. She has also been accepted into the university's Harlan Scholar Program, which guarantees entrance to law school.
  • Janna Imel of Greenup. Imel, a graduate of Greenup County High School, plans to major in philosophy and political science and minor in Chinese. She has also been accepted into the university's Harlan Scholar Program, which guarantees entrance to law school.
  • Mary Kennedy of Owenton. Kennedy, a graduate of Owen County High School, plans to major in history and political science and minor in French and English.
  • Melissa Moore of Louisville. Moore, a graduate of Eastern High School, plans to major in psychology and political science. She has also been accepted into the university's Harlan Scholar Program, which guarantees entrance to law school.
  • Hunter Pittman of Hopkinsville. Pittman, a graduate of Hopkinsville High School, has not yet determined a major. He plans to minor in Asian studies and political science.
  • Evan Shepherd of Madisonville. Shepherd, a graduate of Hopkins County Central High School, plans to major in political science and minor in business administration.
  • oSha Shireman of Payneville. Shireman, a graduate of Meade County High School, plans to major in English and political science and minor in Spanish.
  • Abeer Sikder of Staffordsville. Sikder, a graduate of Johnson Central High School, plans to major in biology and minor in political science.
  • Sarah Stovall of Bowling Green. Stovall was homeschooled and completed dual enrollment courses through Western Kentucky University. She plans to major in English and minor in political science.
  • Meghan Waters of Highland Heights. Waters, a graduate of Covington Latin School, plans to major in history and political science. She has also been accepted into the university's Harlan Scholar Program, which guarantees entrance to law school.