BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Martin County awarded scholarships Thursday to two standout Martin County High School graduates whose ambitions stretch from the hills of eastern Kentucky to the halls of Oxford and medical school.

Laura Hale and Brandi Jude each received $1,000 during a celebratory luncheon at Giovanni’s in Inez, where club members honored their achievements and offered heartfelt advice as the young women prepare to begin their college journeys.

The two were selected for the scholarships from a competitive pool of applicants, according to Kiwanis Club president Melissa Phelps.

“The board felt these two were the cream of the crop,” Phelps said during the presentation. “We want to reward their hard work.”

Hale, who plans to attend Georgetown College this fall, said she is undecided on a major but will play soccer and explore her academic interests over the next year. She was accepted into the college’s Oxford Honors program, which will allow her to study at Oxford University during her junior year.

“I’ll take basic classes my first semester and then my second semester or my sophomore year, I’ll make a decision about what I’m going to do,” Hale said. “The money will be very helpful for me because I have a really large gap in my tuition.”

She is the first student from Martin County to be accepted into the Oxford Honors program.

“I’ll study with the group during my freshman and sophomore years,” said Hale. “Then during my junior year, I’ll go to Oxford and study there. I’ll pick my course of study and get a diploma at the end of my studies at Oxford.”

Jude, meanwhile, is bound for Alice Lloyd College for four years. She plans to continue her education at the University of Kentucky Medical School.

“I’m going to become a radiologist,” Jude said. “This money helps a lot because I’ll have to pay $1,000 a semester at Alice Lloyd.”

Kiwanis members offered the graduates advice for navigating college life—from finances to friendships. Phelps encouraged them to ask about student discounts at restaurants, noting that many businesses offer them but do not advertise.

Amy Smith, a Kiwanis member and Alice Lloyd alumna, recalled that students once had to drive to Hazard to find dining options.

“Now Hindman is full of restaurants,” she said. “Enjoy your time over there and make lots of friends. I know the campus is smaller, but it’s going to feel like home.”

Another member, Pam Ward, encouraged Jude to introduce herself to Alice Lloyd President James Stepp and Chancellor Joe Alan Stepp.

“I think they like Martin County students,” Ward said.

Phelps agreed: “Introduce yourself and maybe they’ll find you some more money.”

Phelps also urged both students to attend campus orientation events and take part in activities to meet like-minded peers.

“When you’re in high school, you’re in such a small group of people and you’re friends with everybody,” she said. “You may not all share the same interests and likes, but you’re friends because you’re around each other all the time. When you go to college, it’s a good time to meet people who have the same interests as you, so be open to doing that.”

Bobby Hale advised stepping out of one’s comfort zone and joining groups like the student government to build connections and discover new interests.

“It will open up opportunities and relationships, especially for someone undecided about what they want to do,” he said.

Financial caution was also a theme. Kiwanis member James Ayers warned about the potential pitfalls of credit card debt.

“You’re going to be inundated with credit card opportunities,” he said. “It’s kind of counterintuitive. You need one to start building your credit. You’re going to find out that different credit card companies will be glad to let you go into debt at 30% interest, and you’ll be paying on it for a long time. Be very, very cautious.”

As the luncheon concluded, Phelps presented the checks and left the students with a message of ongoing support.

“We want to congratulate you all and wish you all the best of luck,” she said. “If you all need Kiwanis for anything that comes along or if something unexpected happens and you need a lifeline or advice, call us, reach out to us, message us. We’ll be happy to help.”

Laura Hale is the daughter of Bobby and Susan Hale. Brandi Jude is the daughter of Merky Jude and the late Mack Jude.