McConnell Scholars class of 2026 celebrated at senior dinner
May 14, 2026The McConnell Center honored its McConnell Scholar graduating class of 2026 on April 26 at L&N Cardinal Stadium, celebrating four years of academic achievement, leadership and service.
Comprised of eight outstanding students from across Kentucky, the class of 2026 has distinguished itself through rigorous academic work, extensive campus involvement and a strong commitment to public service. Graduates earned degrees spanning disciplines such as political science, history, biology, neuroscience, English and social work, while also contributing to student government, community organizations, research initiatives and public service internships at the local, state and federal levels.
Throughout their time in the program, scholars participated in hundreds of leadership seminars and engaged in immersive learning experiences across Kentucky and beyond. Their travels included study visits to Washington, D.C., and Mecosta, Michigan, as well as an international trip to Italy and the United Kingdom, where students encountered pivotal historical moments and deepened their understanding of political and cultural institutions.
Members of the class leave the program with ambitious plans for the future:
- Grant Avis (Elizabethtown, KY) is pursuing a Master of Education at the University of Kentucky
- Hannah Cease (Louisville, KY)is attending the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
- Alli Geiger (Villa Hills, KY) is pursuing a Master of Arts in English at the University of Louisville
- Karmyn Jones (Independence, KY) is attending the University of Kentucky for an Ed.S. in School Psychology
- Kelsey Raymer (Bardstown, KY) is attending Howard University School of Law
- Bradfield Ross (Benton, KY) is taking a gap year before attending law school
- Dyllan Tipton (Taylorsville, KY) is serving as Director of External Relations to Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams and plans to attend law school
- Macy Waddle (Mt. Washington, KY) is attending law school
We extend our gratitude to the Class of 2026 for their service and wish them every success in the years ahead!
Natalie Tracy leads the strategic and tactical marketing and communications initiatives for the McConnell Center. She also collaborates with Dr. Gary Gregg and other team members to design and coordinate the academic and programmatic endeavors of the McConnell Scholars.
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