📣 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — The spark of leadership begins with service, and the Serena Owen 2026-27 Service Scholarship is lighting the way for students across the NKY/Greater Cincinnati region! With the application period now OPEN, this impact award is on the hunt for passionate high school seniors and current college students who are not just excelling academically but are making a real difference in their school and communities.
🏆 Awards for Future Leaders in Community Service
Each year, at least four outstanding students are chosen to receive financial support for college, university, or trade school. These honorees are recognized as Community Heroes, local leaders whose commitment to service shines brightly, inspiring all of us to lead with kindness and purpose. Since its inception in 2022, the scholarship has empowered over twenty students to pursue their educational dreams, while honoring the everyday heroes among us.
📝 Eligibility:
• High school seniors (including homeschoolers) residing in NKY/Greater Cincinnati, or enrolled at Northern Kentucky University in the Fall 2026.
• Applicants must be accepted to or enrolled in an accredited postsecondary or trade program.
• One letter of recommendation is required.
📅 Key Dates:
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Recipients Announced: May 30, 2026
👩🏽🏫 Meet the Visionary: Colonel Serena Owen
🌸 Colonel Serena Owen, a lifelong educator and volunteer, has broken barriers as the first African American woman elected to both the Erlanger-Elsmere School Board and the Elsmere City Council. Some of her accolades include—Outstanding Woman of Northern Kentucky, National César Chávez Day Community Hero, High School Hall of Fame Inductee, NKU Alumni Distinguished Service Award recipient, and NKU Veteran Resource Station Champion of Success. Being commissioned by three different governors (Governor Andy Beshear, Gov. Steven Beshear, and Gov. Matt Bevins) as a KY Colonel and commissioned as a Commonwealth Ambassador by KY Secretary of State Michael Adams, reflects her belief that when we serve together in the spirit of love, everyone wins.
🌱 Lasting Impact in Action
Beyond scholarships, Colonel Owen’s dedication is seen in her monthly food distribution partnership with the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank, providing over 12,000 pounds of food to folk and families in need, and her ongoing Community Heroes program, shining a spotlight on unsung leaders like Miss Covington, Faith Jackson.
🎉 Congratulations to Our Scholars!
🌟 Winners include: Mallory Bane, Diamonique Barnett, Brianna Beal, Robert Butler II, Miah Cook, Carlos Esquival, Tyesha Gordon, Hailey Graves, Abrianna Holt, Braxton Irwin, Faith Jackson, Honesty Kennedy, Fiker Kifle, Ghada Lafi, Mya McDonald, Jamyrrah Maree’ Mabrey, Mohamed Omar, Ragan Savage, Demonte Taylor, Jai’Lynn Tomlin, and Alfonso Torres Cartaya. These incredible students exemplify the spirit of service and leadership. We are proud of you all!
💰 The Power of Scholarships & Service 🤝
🎓 Scholarships play a vital role in removing financial barriers for students. National data shows that nearly 44% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, and 80% credit scholarships as essential to continuing their education. Research also proves that scholarships like the Serena Owen Service Scholarship significantly boost college enrollment and success among low-income students. Further, students who serve their communities are more likely to graduate on time and develop personal growth, leadership, and civic engagement skills. In the words of Colonel Owen, “Our scholarship celebrates those who dedicate themselves to service. Every act of kindness and leadership shapes not only the individual but strengthens our entire community.”
💬 “Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity! … With this scholarship, I will be more empowered and focused in my journey to show the world that success and expression are not ‘one-size-fits-all.’ I believe in the power of diversity and authenticity … Thank you again for believing in me and investing in my future.”
— Miss Brianna Beal, UofL student and scholarship recipient 🧑🏽🎓
📝 How to Apply or Nominate
🌟 Ready to serve and shine? Apply or nominate a deserving student today at https://forms.gle/4Uj5mvzkM3DkDtocA
🤝 Support the scholarship by donating through PayPal (NKyEducator@gmail.com) or CashApp ($SerenaOwen). For more information, reach out to Colonel Serena Owen at [NKyEducator@gmail.com]. Don’t wait—be a part of empowering the next generation of community heroes! #ServeAndShine #CommunityHeroes #ScholarshipOpportunity #NKU #NKY #Tri-State #Students
References:
Perna, L. W., & Titus, M. A. (2004). Understanding differences in the choice of college attended: The role of state public policies. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 26(4), 333-358.
Astin, A. W., & Sax, L. J. (1998). How undergraduates are affected by service participation. Journal of College Student Development, 39(3), 251-263.
