By Blake Jackson
The Community Action Council for Lexington-Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison, and Nicholas Counties has proudly announced the 2025 recipients of the Outstanding Community Service Award Scholarship. This annual scholarship is open to high school seniors from 13 counties in Central Kentucky who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism and community service.
Julian Diaz-Deloach of Paris is the first-place winner, receiving a $1,500 scholarship to support his college education. The award was presented by Council representative Kesha Richardson at Bourbon County High School on May 27, 2025. Julian volunteered with the local Kiwanis Club, participated in community clean-up projects, and helped with holiday food distribution programs. Even after taking a job to support his family, he continued volunteering by reading to children at The Prep Academy at Bourbon County. He plans to study Forensic Science at Eastern Kentucky University.
Second place went to Tyren Harris of Lexington, a student at Carter G. Woodson Academy, who received a $500 scholarship. Tyren created a Spanish-language agricultural program at his school, worked as a 4-H youth counselor, taught classes through the Black Male Working Academy, and helped with adult English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. He aims to pursue a career in education, focusing on agriculture and the Spanish language.
The third-place winner is Clayton Laytart of Cynthiana, a student at Harrison County High School. Clayton also received a $500 scholarship for his active volunteer work with 4-H at both local and state levels. His dedication earned him the 4-H Camp Counselor Teen Award at the Kentucky Volunteer Forum. Clayton will attend Eastern Kentucky University to study Agricultural Business.
Sharon Price, Executive Director of the Community Action Council, stated these students reflect the values of hard work, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community service.
While supported by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), these scholarships were funded by non-grant sources.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Kentucky, Business