Congratulations to the outstanding 33 JAG seniors and 7 JAG alumni, who are this year’s recipients of the 2021 Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship! As a 2021 Smith Scholar, they will each receive a check for $2,000!
Sincere gratitude goes out to all scholarship applicants as they shared remarkable stories of growth, resiliency, and triumph through an exceptionally challenging year. Graduating seniors and alumni described the impact JAG has had in helping them focus on their goals, even when faced with adversity. Alumni, and 2nd year recipient of the KMS Scholarship, Breana Hicks from Little Rock, Arkansas, reflected in her essay, “The JAG class is truly the foundation for my success.” Many other scholars referenced JAG being a foundational component help them transition to their postsecondary goals.
2021 Review and Selection Process:
• 2021 proved to be a difficult year to review the exemplary applications, assign points, then, make the decision as to which applicants moved forward to be among the Top 75 Applicants.
• Board members were responsible for reviewing the Top 75 Application Packets and selecting the final 40 Smith Scholars.
• 2021 Smith Scholars will receive a letter of congratulations from the JAG Scholarship Committee Chairman Larry Caruso with information regarding receipt of their $2,000 scholarship. The letter will also outline responsibilities that Smith Scholars are expected to fulfill during their 2021-2022 collegiate enrollment. This commitment is very important to maintain and expand the Smith Scholars Program.
• The Kenneth M. Scholarship Fund appreciates all the applicants that submitted documentation for 2021. Remember—JAG graduates that have not completed their postsecondary degree plans are eligible to apply for a KMS Scholarship next year, as well as high school seniors that are planning to enroll in the fall following graduation.
The 2021 Smith Scholars receiving a $2,000 scholarship are:
Hannah Aldridge- Cedarville, AR
Erubiel Alvarez – Phoenix, AZ*
Simon Baker – Monticello, KY
Bailey Brown- East Palatka, FL
Zoe Brown- East Palatka, FL
Ximena Osorio Canizalez – Phoenix, AZ*
Cheyenne Clouse- Shelbyville, IN
Kayla Cummings- Phil Campbell, AL
Thea DuBray – Martin, SD
Melissa Gonzalez- Tolleson, AZ
Julie Gouldin- Lake Charles, LA
Lucas Gregory- London, KY
Natalia Gutierrez- Sedalia, MO
Carson Hanson-Tomahawk, KY
Madison Harper- West Plains, MO
Michelle Hernandez- Scottsville, AZ*
Breana Hicks – Little Rock, AR*
Lauren Horn – Inez, KY
Paige Howard – Gillett, AR
Triston “Skye” Jackson- Crossett, AR
Santana Kavanaugh- Georgetown, KY
Anita Martin- Indianaplois, IN
Denise Moore- Daveport, IA
Marissa Owen- Star City, AR
Deep Patel – Yosemite, KY*
Kendon Peart – Lecompte, LA
Kelsey Pease- New Albany, IN
Casey Potter – West Liberty, KY
Alaina Quinlan- Caribou, ME
Karla Rosales- West Wendover, NV
Arianna Silva – Phoenix, AZ
Kylee Simison – Muncie, IN
Janna M. Smith – Cannon, KY
Collin Spear- Mitchell, IN
Megan Stahl – Parker City, IN*
Amanda Troike- North Judson, IN
Ilse Celina Lopez Valenzuela – Phoenix, AZ*
Keilen Watts- St. Louis, MO
Eeve Williams- Lawrenceburg, IN
Allison Winship- Hodgdon, ME
The Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship Fund and the Smith Scholars Program were established by the JAG Board of Directors to recognize the extraordinary leadership and service of the first and only President and Chief Executive Officer of Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc., Kenneth M. Smith. Since 2009, the Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship Fund has awarded 269 scholarships for a total of $341,000 for participants enrolled in Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG).