BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Martin County recognized the achievements of two exceptional graduating seniors by awarding them scholarships. The club invited the recipients, Hope Coley and Savannah Young, to a luncheon Thursday at Shufflin Café in Inez to receive their checks.
Melissa Phelps, the president of the Kiwanis Club, highlighted the significance of the scholarships.
“Part of what we fundraise with the [Hillbilly] breakfast every year is our scholarships,” Phelps said.
Phelps thanked the Kiwanis members for their support and announced the guests.
Introducing Young, Phelps emphasized the Martin County High School graduate’s longstanding connection with the Kiwanis Club and her willingness to help with community events such as the Harvest Festival, where she frequently performed onstage and assisted with various tasks. Phelps expressed admiration for Young’s accomplishments.
“She was near the top of her class, she applied, and we selected her as our other recipient,” said Phelps.
Young, the daughter of Lana and Neal Young, intends to pursue a degree in elementary education at Morehead State University. She enthusiastically shared, “I love kids. I’ll come back here to my community.”
Young accumulated an impressive 42 college credit hours before graduating from high school, which positions her well for the swift completion of her degree.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Young has successfully operated her own business, Vanna’s Tees & Treats, for the past two years. She expressed her passion for baking and offered services to anyone seeking delicious sweet treats.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Young has also showcased her musical talents throughout the years. She began singing at the Harvest Festival at the tender age of 8 and has continued to hone her skills as a self-taught singer. Every Sunday, she delights her church congregation with her performances. At the age of 14, Young auditioned for the popular TV show “The Voice,” although she did not advance further in the competition. Reflecting on the experience, she remarked, “It was fun.”
During her address to the Kiwanis members, Young expressed her deep appreciation for the scholarship, acknowledging it as a significant blessing. She promised to make them proud.
Unfortunately, Coley could not attend the luncheon due to work commitments, but she expressed her gratitude in a note that Phelps shared with Kiwanis members.
Coley revealed her plans to utilize the scholarship to further her education in the nursing program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College. She also mentioned that she earned 18 hours of dual credit at BSCTC during her senior year, which allowed her to become a certified CNA and secure employment in the emergency department at Appalachian Regional Hospital. She aims to graduate with an associate degree in nursing in May 2026.
The Kiwanis Club continues to play a vital role in supporting the youth of the community by recognizing their achievements and providing financial assistance to pursue their academic goals. The scholarships awarded to Young and Coley will undoubtedly help shape their future endeavors.
