Crittenden County senior Allie Beard said she was in shock when she learned she was a state scholarship recipient. The Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) “First Degree Scholarship” provides aid to eligible high school seniors who will be first in their immediate families to complete a postsecondary degree program. They must also meet minimum academic requirements. Beard joined only three others across the Commonwealth in receiving a $2500 scholarship at the KSBA conference luncheon last weekend in Louisville. 

“Knowing only four of us across the state were selected makes me feel accomplished and incredibly grateful,” said Beard. 

Her guidance counselor, Laura Poindexter, nominated Beard for the award after learning about it from local school board chair, Chris Cook. “I knew right away that Allie was perfect for it,” said Poindexter. “She has spent countless hours in my office, talking about her goals and dreams. She is always striving to achieve, and I am so proud of the wonderful things in store for her future.”

Beard plans to attend Murray State in the fall, where she will major in biology and pursue a pre-med program. She then wants to apply to medical schools to work toward a doctorate in anesthesiology. 

The Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) was established in 1936 and represents 857 school board members in 171 districts across Kentucky. As the Commonwealth’s leading advocate for public school boards, KSBA empowers local districts through superior support, service and training. For more information, visit ksba.org.