Two Martin County students were among more than 100 students named to Morehead State University’s Spring 2026 Presidential Community Engaged Eagles list.
Katelyn Hale of Inez and Hannah Robinson of Beauty earned the recognition, which honors students for their commitment to service through community and civic engagement.
Throughout the semester, students participated in service projects that connected classroom learning with real community needs. They worked with schools, nonprofit organizations, health care providers and community partners, using the knowledge and skills they gained at MSU to make a difference on campus and beyond.
Projects included teaching CPR and basic lifesaving skills to fellow students, supporting family literacy nights, mentoring elementary students, helping with educational outreach programs and serving as judges for middle school entrepreneurship competitions. Students also participated in study abroad experiences focused on youth engagement, community development, food insecurity and cultural understanding.
Student reflections showed how the experiences helped them grow personally and professionally. Nursing students gained confidence in teaching lifesaving skills. Future teachers learned how to engage students and build meaningful relationships with children and families. Business students strengthened communication and leadership skills while encouraging young entrepreneurs. Across all projects, students identified teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving and adaptability as important skills they developed through service — competencies that align with the Council on Postsecondary Education’s Kentucky Graduate Profile.
“What I appreciate most about these reflections is that they show students beginning to see themselves as contributors to their communities,” said Andrew Sexton, coordinator of service learning at MSU. “Regardless of the service project they were involved in, students recognized that their knowledge, talents, and experiences can be used to help others. Those moments of connection often leave a lasting impression and help students better understand both their future careers and their responsibilities as citizens.”
To be named to the Presidential Community Engaged Eagles list, students must participate in a qualifying service experience and complete a reflection about what they learned.