Lincoln Foundation’s Whitney M. Young Scholars Senior Banquet Celebration 

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Academic achievement and opportunity took center stage this weekend as dozens of Louisville-area students were recognized for an extraordinary milestone. 

The Lincoln Foundation hosted the 31st Annual Whitney M. Young Scholars Senior Scholarship Banquet on Saturday, May 16th at Bellarmine University’s Frazier Hall. 

The event honored 24 graduating high school seniors who completed a rigorous five-year college-preparatory program—and together, they earned an impressive $11,852,057 in scholarships and awards. 

Among those honors, 11 students secured scholarship packages exceeding $500,000, with three scholars earning more than $1 million each — a testament to their academic dedication and perseverance. 

The evening brought together education leaders, community supporters, and elected officials. U.S. Congressman Morgan McGarvey attended and presented a congressional proclamation recognizing both the scholars and the program’s long-standing impact on expanding college access. 

A highlight of the banquet was the live unveiling of $106,000 in additional scholarships, awarded as surprises to the scholars during the ceremony. That included the prestigious Dr. Samuel Robinson Award of Excellence, a $40,000 scholarship package supporting tuition, technology, and study-abroad opportunities. 

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Aaron Thompson, President of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, who emphasized that earning a college degree extends beyond career preparation—helping foster lifelong learning, personal growth, and stronger communities across Kentucky. 

Organizers said the annual banquet served as more than a celebration—it demonstrated the powerful results of sustained investment in students and their futures. 

The Whitney M. Young Scholars Program continues to serve as a powerful model for expanding college access and helping students succeed long after high school. 

Whitney M. Young Scholars Program Banquet

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Over $7 Million in College Scholarships Earned by 32 Scholars!


[Louisville, Kentucky] – Join Lincoln Foundation on May 17, 2025, at 6 PM for the annual Whitney M. Young
Scholars Program Banquet, proudly presented by Baird Financial. This prestigious event will celebrate the
outstanding academic achievements of our high school seniors, honoring their hard work and dedication.

The 32 seniors in the Class of 2025 have earned over $7 million in college scholarships. Lincoln Foundation will award over $100,000 in additional scholarships to deserving students who have completed the 5-year Whitney M. Young Scholars Program.

These scholarships will further their educational journeys and expand their future opportunities. Metro United Way President & CEO Adria Johnson will deliver the evening’s keynote address, inspiring and charging the scholars to strive for excellence and embrace their potential to make a positive impact on the world.

Prepare for an inspiring evening filled with celebration, recognition, and community spirit as we honor the
remarkable accomplishments of these young scholars. Your presence will support their continued success in
higher education.

Event Location
WHERE: Bellarmine University, Frazier Hall
Address: 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205

To learn more about the program.
Home – Lincoln Foundation

METRO DISABILITY COALITION WILL RECOGNIZE INDIVIDUALS WHO BREAK BARRIERS IN OUR COMMUNITY

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Save the Date:

The evening of May 8, 2026, will be the MDC annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award Ceremony. This event would take place at U of L Rudd and Heart Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way. During this ceremony we will recognize students, teachers, and community leaders who has went above and beyond the call of duty. There will be vendors starting at 4:30 pm followed by ceremony at 5:00 pm.

The Metro Disability Coalition (MDC) Inc is a nonprofit organization that was established in 2001. While serving individuals with disabilities throughout the Louisville metro area. The MDC Mission is to advocate and educate individuals seeking inclusion and accessibility. By continuing to break barriers for public education, public transportation, public housing, and community infrastructure. By doing this it helps individuals to have a better quality of life.

We are excited to announce the following Breaking Barriers Awards honorees:

Lifetime Achievement Award – Chuck Rogers

Merit Award – Briana Williams

Spotlight Award – Carla Ruschival

Special Recognition Certificate Winners:

Lecretia Dennis

Victor Gordon

Lorita Rowlett

Michael Bailey

Educator Honorees:

High School: Gwen Snow – ECE/EDL Teacher, Newcomer Academy

Middle School: Stacy Coogle – ECE Implementation Coach Binet School

Elementary: Caleh Miller – ECE Teacher Bloom Elementary

Early Childhood: Tara Patterson – Preschool Teacher George Unseld Preschool 

Student Honorees:

High School: Sophie Torres – Wagganer High School 

Middle School: Nyssa Collett – Hudson Middle School

Elementary School: Lucas Watcher – Hawthorne Elementary School

Sincerely,

Marcellus Mayes, President

Bobbie James, Vice-President, and Chairperson of Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards 

Metro Disability Coalition, Inc. (MDC, Inc.)

A Non-Profit Organization

Please add our event to your community calendar. We have included a flyer for the event. If you would like to setup an interview with a member of MDC, Inc please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

We look forward to seeing you at our event on May 8th.    

WHO: Metro Disabilities Coalition, Inc.

WHAT: Announcing 24th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards Ceremony

WHEN: Friday, May 8th at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: UofL Rudd Heart and Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way

WHY: To thank and celebrate those who follow the mission of our organization

Unbridled Derby Eve: Covering a Kentucky Derby gala

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By Sherlene Shanklin

Since becoming a news manager, I thought my days of covering Kentucky Derby events were over. But I came out of retirement and I covered the Unbridled Derby Eve Gala. It’s held on Oaks Night in the beautiful venue of the Galt House Hotel located in the heart of downtown Louisville.

Hundreds of guests attend the event. Some of the celebrity guests I interviewed we Anthony Ramos, Gina Torres, Lorrie Morgan, Phillip Phillips, Warren Moon, the Sugarhill Gang, Melissa Joan Hart, Richie Sambora, Danica McKellar, Michael Eaves, and Harry Douglas just to name a few of their many guests.

The gala was cofounded by sisters Tammy York Day and Tonya York in 2012. A year later the event was launched. To date they have raised over five million dollars to help non-profit organizations in Kentucky.

Their mission is to step into a world of glamour, generosity, and unforgettable moments.