A Grayson County High School senior was one of two recipients of the 2019 First Degree Scholarship, awarded by the Kentucky School Boards Association during its Annual Conference held February 22 through 24 in Louisville.
Jonathan Nelson received the $2,500 scholarship after being the first person in his family to earn a postsecondary degree, score at least 20 on the ACT and be nominated by the local board of education. The selections are made in a blind drawing during a KSBA Board of Directors meeting.
The program provides the cash scholarship to one male and one female high school senior. The scholarship may be used for any two- or four-year institution of higher education in Kentucky or elsewhere.
Nelson’s favorite subjects are math and science and he plays viola and cello in orchestra. When he is not busy studying or practicing his instruments, Nelson works at his local Taco Bell. Nelson hopes to attend Centre College to pursue biology or chemistry. He aspires to be a doctor, with a possible specialty in cardiology.
This year’s scholarships were sponsored by Houchens Insurance Group and American Fidelity, both affiliate partners of the KSBA. Contributions to the scholarship program were also made by members of the KSBA Board of Directors.
The KSBA Board of Directors established the First Degree College Scholarship program eight years ago, with scholarships awarded by the KSBA Education Foundation each year during the association’s annual gathering.
Nelson is the son of Paul and Rebecca Nelson.
By Kentucky School Boards Association
