The KHSAA, partnering with Forcht Bank, awards one male and one female high school athlete in each of Kentucky’s 16 regions with scholarships, based on “CLASS,” which stands for Citizenship, Leadership, Athletics, Sportsmanship, and Scholarship.
Applicants for the scholarship were required to turn in an extensive portfolio with letters of recommendation, evidence of athletic participation, and a case study assigned by the KHSAA. Whitnell, a three-sport athlete at GCHS, has advanced to state level competition in tennis, golf, and basketball in her high school tenure – while also maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.
By winning the regional scholarship, Whitnell is now a finalist for a $3,500 state-wide scholarship to be awarded through Forcht Bank. She and her family will be honored at the KHSAA offices in Lexington in an April 26 ceremony. She is the daughter of Charles and Binkie Whitnell of Mayfield.
“I said earlier in the year Emily is the model of what a student-athlete should be – she is a leader both on and off the athletic field,” said GCHS athletic director Khristain Elliott. “When Emily graduates, she will leave a void in our athletic program and school.”
