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The Lighthouse Beacon Foundation is proud to welcome its newest class of Lighthouse Beacon Scholars!  Founded by Stanley and Karen Pigman, the Lighthouse Beacon Foundation was created to help students across Eastern Kentucky gain access to higher education opportunities, particularly in STEM fields. Stanley, a Knott County native and graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Engineering, often shares how receiving a scholarship to study mining engineering changed the trajectory of his life. Through the
foundation, Stanley and Karen are committed to providing that same opportunity, encouragement, and support to students throughout the region.  

Lighthouse Beacon Scholars attend the University of Kentucky to pursue degrees in engineering and related STEM fields. Today, more than 160 scholars are part of the program, with the number continuing to grow each year as the foundation expands its investment in students across Eastern Kentucky. The foundation’s mission extends far beyond financial support. Lighthouse Beacon Scholars are connected with mentors, leadership development opportunities, study abroad experiences, and a strong network of encouragement that continues throughout their college journey. At its core, the Lighthouse Beacon Foundation is committed to building lasting relationships with students and helping them succeed not only in college, but in life.  Recipients are chosen not only for academic achievement, but also for their leadership, work ethic, and commitment to their communities.  

The Lighthouse Beacon Foundation is proud to recognize the following students as the newest Lighthouse Beacon Scholars:
 Eric Pond — Blazer High School
 Braydon Watts — Blazer High School
 Tristan Campbell — Boyd County High School
 Randa McGuire — East Carter High School
 Landon Alexander — East Carter High School
 Cross Remy — Greenup County High School
 Ethan Lewis — Harlan County High School
 Shania Middleton — Harlan County High School
 Elijiah Moore — Harlan County High School
 Kylee Hoiska — Harlan County High School
 William Henrikson — Jenkins Independent
 Travis Eldridge — Johnson Central High School
 Elijiah Pelton — Johnson Central High School
 Paris Short — Johnson Central High School
 Braden Smith — Knott County Central High School
 Kelsie Huff — Knott County Central High School
 Jacob Fields — Laurel Center for Innovation
 Abigail Osborn — Martin County High School
 Gavin Doughtry — North Laurel High School
 Masten Kidd- Pikeville Independent 
 Ian Blackburn- Pikeville Independent 
 Cooper Spears — Pulaski County High School

 Marlei Devore - Russell County High School
 Jason Elswick — Shelby Valley High School
 Ethan Hatter — Southwestern High School
 Noah Meadors — Whitley County High School

“This scholarship has always been about more than helping students get to college,” said Kelsey Tackett, Director of Appalachian Engagement for the Lighthouse Beacon Foundation. “It’s about making sure they have support, encouragement, and people in their corner once they get there.” For Stanley and Karen Pigman, the mission of the Foundation has always been personal. Their hope is that students from Eastern Kentucky know they have people who believe in them, invest in their future, and want to see them succeed.
For more information about The Lighthouse Beacon Foundation Scholarship and the Lighthouse Beacon Scholars Program, visit www.lighthousebeaconfoundation.org or contact Melissa Tomblin at 859.317.2829.

About The Lighthouse Beacon Foundation
The Lighthouse Beacon Foundation supports educational opportunities for students across Eastern Kentucky through scholarships, mentorship, leadership experiences, and STEM education initiatives.