Blakeman, Hughes, Mattingly graduate from Rogers Explorers program
Published 1:16 pm Thursday, October 5, 2017
LINDSEY WILSON: Graduates of the 2017 Rogers Explorers program held on the campus of Lindsey Wilson College were Reilly Wells, Adair Co.; Tarah Durham and Emily Whitehurst, Casey Co.; Alexander Newell, Paris Newell, Caityln Patterson, and Cyrus Vincent, Cumberland Co.; BayLee Allen and Kayla Patterson, Green Co.; Baylor Mattingly, Lincoln Co.; Kadin Emberton and Sawyer Edmunds, Metcalfe Co.; Kade Hagan and Annika Reed, Monroe Co.; Molli Nelson, Kendall Burgess, Anna Marie Gulock, Emma Hawk, Dylan Jasper, Hunter Mayfield, Logan Maynard, Riley Noftsger, Madison Trusty, Caden Maynard, and Carlee Whitis, Pulaski Co.; Taylor Abernathy and Natalie Woodcock, Russell Co.; Hayden Ballinger, Emma Carter, Ethan Huffaker, and Andrew “A.J.” York of Wayne Co.
ASBURY UNIVERSITY: Graduates of the 2017 Rogers Explorers program held on the campus of Asbury University were Samuel “Sammy” Bodine, Bath Co.; Morgan Crowe and Molly Demrow, Casey Co.; Macy Abney, Abigail “Abby” Isaacs, and Rebekah Keith, Garrard Co.; Adam Hutchinson, Knott Co.; Jacob Barnard and Janna Mei Smith, Knox Co.; Bella Butler, Laurel Co.; Brock Kessinger, Lawrence Co.; Erin McIntosh, Lee Co.; John Hughes, Lincoln Co.; Macy Welsh, Metcalfe Co.; Clayton Biggerstaff, Monroe Co.; Evan Cherry, Lexie Herndon, Connor King, Lyndsey Parmelee, Miriam Ritchey, Martha Santiago, Joshua Stein, Brody Weaver, and Sage McBride, Pulaski Co.; Jordan Thacker, Rowan Co.; Emma Maynard and Audrey Young, Taylor Co.; Emily Humble, Wayne Co.; Collin Taylor, Whitley Co.; and Carly Creech of Wolfe Co.
UNIV. OF CUMBERLANDS: Graduates of the 2017 Rogers Explorers program held on the campus of the University of the Cumberlands were Eliza Crawford, Boyd Co.; Brendan Bush, Carter Co.; John “John Lucas” Hubbard, Allie Phillips, and Emily Whittle, Clay Co.; Kendra Cross and Abbigale Young, Clinton Co.; Autumn McCutchen, Cumberland Co.; Kiki Dean, Harlan Co.; Charleston Dixon and Lauren Shackleford, Knox Co.; Brady Dalrymple, Nathan Sanders, and Kathleen “Katty Ann” Taylor, Laurel Co.; Cole Blakeman, Lincoln Co.; Alexa Bruce and Dalton Daugherty, McCreary Co.; Kylee Coleman, Metcalfe Co.; Blake Brown, Michael “Allen” Hail, Macey Hudson, William “Will” Muse, Jackson Owens, Layla Blevins, and Breezi Turner, Pulaski Co.; Morgan Melton and Grayson Wise, Taylor Co.; Elijah Harrington, Cierra Ledford, and Anabeth Sharpe of Whitley Co.
Lincoln County students Cole Blakeman, John Hughes, and Baylor Mattingly graduated from The Center for Rural Development’s 2017 Rogers Explorers youth leadership program.
The Rogers Explorers program is an educational leadership program that provides hands-on learning opportunities for middle school students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky to build their math, science, and technology skills. Graduates are encouraged to work toward pursuing careers in these in-demand career fields.
“This experience has helped me realize that team work is, and always will be, a huge part of success,” Hughes said. “Being a Rogers Explorer is also a great honor, and I am so glad to have been a part of this program, as my math, science, and technology skills were enhanced.”
Two hundred and twelve students—the largest class ever—attended this year’s Rogers Explorers program. Participants apply when they are in the eighth grade and attend during the summer before the start of their freshman year.
“This year’s class of Rogers Explorers showed that there are many bright, young leaders in our region of Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” said Laura Glover, Managing Director of Operations at The Center. “By participating in this program, Explorers had the opportunity to experience first-hand how science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can positively impact our region while also getting a feel for what college life was like.”
The Rogers Explorers program is presented by The Center in partnership with Lindsey Wilson College, University of the Cumberlands, Asbury University, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, University of Pikeville, and the newest host site, Union College.
Blakeman is the son of David and Bridgett Blakeman of Crab Orchard. Hughes is the son of Randy and Kristen Morgan of Stanford. Mattingly is the son of Michael and Kristie Mattingly of Hustonville.
For more information about Rogers Explorers, call 606-677-6000 or email youth@centertech.com. Visit www.centeryouthprograms.com to learn more about youth programs at The Center.
