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Lexington HRC keeps scholarship program but adopts new essay prompt after low applicant numbers
Summary
The Lexington Human Relations Commission voted to keep its scholarship program for Lexington Senior High seniors, adopted a new essay prompt and confirmed a May review timeline after commissioners expressed concern about low application numbers.
The Lexington Human Relations Commission on Feb. 3 voted to adopt a new essay prompt for its student scholarship program and confirmed timing for application review after commissioners said only six students applied last year.
The commission adopted the prompt, “Tell us about a time you failed and how you grew from it,” on a motion recorded as made by Commissioner Neetra Wells and seconded by Commissioner Patricia King. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners said the commission’s scholarships are restricted to graduating seniors at Lexington Senior High School who plan to attend a two- or four-year college. “So previous previously, the commission has given out scholarships to graduating seniors at Lexington Senior High, attending a 4 year college and, community college was added last year,” a staff member told the commission when presenting the existing eligibility rules.
Commissioners raised concern about low participation. “I am concerned about the number of applicants that apply,” one commissioner said, noting there were six applicants last year. Commissioners discussed outreach with school guidance counselors and administrators and whether to clarify residency or acceptance requirements; the commission was told the awards are disbursed only after a student confirms enrollment.
The commission also discussed AI usage in application essays and said they will accept applications even if applicants used tools, while stressing applicants must still submit personal information and original material. After adopting the prompt, commissioners agreed to review and vote on scholarship recipients in May, keeping the timeline used in prior years so awards could be presented at senior awards events later that month.
The commission did not change eligibility criteria at the meeting; members noted that any expansion beyond Lexington Senior High School would require bylaws changes.
Commissioners who spoke during the scholarship discussion included Commissioner Neetra Wells and Commissioner Patricia King. A staff member provided background on eligibility and distribution timing.
The commission’s next step is to publish the prompt and continue outreach to encourage more applications ahead of the May review and award schedule.
