Graduation 2017

One important key to success is self-confidence.

An important key to self-confidence is preparation.

-Arthur Ashe

Thursday, May 25, 2017

2 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017

2017 Graduation Celebration — 3

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Graduation is beginning not the end A short walk will lead directly to one of life’s biggest steps.

That is a symbolic way to describe what happens Friday evening as several hundred of Clark County’s young adults walk across the stage to accept their diplomas, taking the next step in their lives as they leave high school behind to go to college, technical programs, the military or the workplace.

Welcome to the so-called real world.

This is the beginning not the end.

It was exactly 10 years ago that I wrote a column in which I tried to think back to my own high school graduation and ask, “What do I know now that I wish I knew then?”

Still relevant today, I will share that list and add some new ones that may offer some small insight for the George Rogers Clark High School Class of 2017.

— Dream big. Anything is possible.

Don’t let anyone or anything hold you

back from reaching for the stars.

— Find something you love to do.

Everything else will work itself out.

Anyone can choose a career that will make he or she lots of money.

Find a path that will make you lots of happiness.

— Set goals and define the actionable steps it will take to get there. Every finish line has Mike Caldwell to include legs of the race.

Make sure you articulate to yourself what each of those are and how you can win.

— Think about every decision you make and be prepared for the consequences. Life is all about choices

and you must carefully weigh each and every one. A split-second whim can alter your life forever.

— Experience everything possible.

Take a variety of classes, embrace opportunities when they come and keep an open mind. Something you thought you knew when you were 18 will look different at 25, as it will again at 30, 40, 50 and so on.

— Don’t be afraid to fail. There is no shame in trying something and falling short. Nothing is worse or causes more regret than failing to even try.

— Find a way to “grow up” but stay young at heart. Being an adult and being responsible doesn’t preclude keeping youthful exuberance. Many of the happiest people I know are children on the inside.

— Don’t stress about things that you cannot control. Impact the things that you can and let everything else go. If you can’t do anything about something,

then don’t lose any sleep over it.

— Listen to your parents. After all, you will soon look into the mirror to find that you have become just like them. It is hard to tell when it happens exactly, but trust me, it will.

— Make time for yourself and to build relationships. Long after material items are forgotten or superficial achievements have faded, it will be the relationships and the people that stick with you.

Have the determination and tenacity to do your best, take whatever comes your way and learn from the past.

High school is over. Remember it fondly, but understand the real journey is only beginning.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Winchester Sun and Winchester Living magazine. He can be reached at (859) 759-0095 or by email at mike. caldwell@winchestersun.com.

4 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Class of 2017 Kentucky Christian Academy

Crista ashcraft

robert hunter Biggerstaff

dalyn Wayne Catron

Joshua Earl Cain

robert Lynn henry II

Timothy Chase Carter

Nathanial Keeton

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

Danielle Cooper - George Rogers Clark H.S., Winchester Grace Howard - Model Laboratory H.S., Richmond Briana Charles - Christian Academy, Lawrenceburg Claire Stapleton - Frankfort H.S., Frankfort Tamara Rudic- Western Hills H.S., Frankfort Logan Fox - Scott County H.S., Georgetown Kyle Miller - Scott County H.S., Georgetown Christy Cochran - Mars Hill Homeschool, Lexington Andrew Lin - Homeschool, Lexington Corey Hise - Lafayette H.S., Lexington Salim Celik - Lafayette H.S., Lexington Katelyn Mofield - STEAM Academy, Lexington Alonna Walker – Opportunity Middle College, Lexington Madison Carnes - Danville Christian Academy, Danville Amanda Comley - West Jessamine H.S., Nicholasville Lindsey Barnes - Woodford County H.S., Versailles Each Graduate Received a $1,000 Scholarship To Help Further Their Education Courtesy Of Their Neighborhood Burger King® $86,000 in Scholarships awarded to date!

We Wish All Of Our Graduates The Best Of Success!!

BMT of Kentucky, Inc. a Franchisee of Burger King Corp.

Class of 2017

traditionalbank.com

6 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017

George Rogers Clark High School Class of 2017 Deborah Renee Adams

Anna Claire Allen

Joshua David Anderson

Cheyenne Lasha Ashworth

Luccia Aversano

Alex Thomas Back

Alexia Hellard Back

Chasity Nichole Baker

Christopher Scott Bankes

Thomas Shawn Bankes, Jr.

Bethany Leigh Barker

Katie Barnes

Andrew Dale Barrera

William Benton Barrett

Joseph Denver Bentley III

Brandon Ray Berryman

Robert Hunter Biggerstaff

William Dale Biggerstaff

Teghan Rose Black

Emily Jean Bloomfield

Sabrina LeeAnn Boone

Chancey N. Bowden

Tiffany Brooke Boyd

Nathaniel Rafe Branson

Christopher Lee Brewer

Levi Edward Broeking

Jordan Raye Brookshire

2017 Graduation Celebration — 7

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Josh Tyler Bryan

Noah D. Bush

Jaxon Colby Calk

Ta’Myha Chy’Ann Ila Calloway

Katelyn H. Campbell

Edward Earl Carmichael, Jr.

Andrew Isaiha Carpenter

Evan Reid Carrington

Allison Mae Carroll

Tevin Anthony Carter

Joe Mackenzie Castle

Nathaniel Ryan Castle

Emily Paige Caudiill

Anylia BreSha Chenault

Andrew Wyler Clark

Sarah Jane Clark

William Jesse Clark

Haley Clay

Jarrett Ke’Von Clem

William S. Coleman

Zackary Tyler Coleman

Christopher M. Collins

Charles Wayne Compton II

Brayden Charles Conley

Josh Seth Cornelius

Sydney Nicole Craig

Aaliyah Nicole Crawford

Abigail Irene Crigger

Tiffany S. Conn

Danielle Jean Hailey Cooper

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Brady T. Allen Crowe

David Braxton Crowe

Harrison Wyatt Crum

Erin Ashley Daniel

Curtis Tyrique Davis

Laiton Burnett Dillard

Nathaniel Brady Doan

Samantha Elaine Dolen

Nick S. Dunaway

Isiah Duncan

Lacee Leigh Ellen Duncan

Eric Jordan Edmonds

Lela Nicole Marie Eggen Hernandez

Pamela Nicole Elkin

Sydney Claire Elkins

Clarissa Amanda Farrell

Camille Elizabeth Felts

Clay Steven Fike

Allison Nicole Fink

Nicholas Cameron Fleming

Mary Taylor Flynn

Brett Allen Foley

Cassidy Kayla Ford

Dalton Kyle Freeman

Fred Jacob Fugate

Presley Ann Fugate

Jacob Aaron Garland

Bridgett Nichole Gibson

Cody Alexander Gibson

Jonathan Troy Gillette

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Drew B. Ginter

Kay-Leigh Jean Gleffe

Steven Tucker Goff

Chandler Lee Gray

Abigail Gwen-Le Green

Jacob Riley Green

Noah Gatewood Groves

Elena Guerra

Zachary Charles Hall

Elizabeth Grace Hardiman

Deven Wesley Gonzalez

Cassie Nicole Goodpaster

Laura Shay Graves

Jacey Shae Griffith

Tanner Delaney Grigsby

Michael David Grimmett, Jr.

Daniel Edward Guerrant

Noah Dalton Haggard

Robert Ambrose Haggard

Charles Michael Hale

Charles Tyler Hall

Danny Lavern Hall

Melissa Brooke Hall

Dylan Mathew Hampton

Sarah Ashley Hampton

Landon Ray Hardy

Victoria Kay Harmon

Carrie Ann Hatton

Brittany Nicole Hatton-Lucas

Linnzie Nicole Hays

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Daniel Bryan Helgeson

Zander Jakob Hembree

Lindsey Rianna Highley

Jordan Blake Hinkle

Haley Dawn Hounshell

Kenneth Austin Howard

Riley Joseph Hunter

Ohmante H. Jenkins

Brooklyn Paige Hennecke

Jeffery Wayne Hensley

Aylin A. Hernandez Aparicio

Christian Ke’Shon Higgins

Deven Ashton Holloman

Allison Nicole Honaker

Zachary Taylor Hooten

Denzil Bradey Hudson

Faith Marie Hughes

Holly Raye Hummel

Gracie Christine Humphrey

Caitlyn Lee Makenzie Isaacs

Drew Alan Isaacs

Tamara Gabrielle Israel

TyJaun Kyrell Israel

David Raymond Jarman

Zhasia Yamahn Jenkins

Casey Danielle Johnson

Desmond Powell Johnson

Justin Keith Johnson

Alyssa Mae Jones

La’Cresia Rayetta Hollingshed

2017 Graduation Celebration — 11

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Financial must-do’s for families of college-bound students

(StatePoint) – One challenge looms large for many American families as students approach high school graduation: how to pay for college.

Financial planning should ideally begin several years before college applications are even due. But no matter what financial preparation your family has done, everyone planning to attend college should take these concrete measures during senior year of high school.

• Seek Federal Aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. The FAFSA is your first step to securing financial aid for college, including federal student loans, and most state and institutional aid. Unfortunately, many students don’t realize they are eligible for such aid, leaving

tons of money (and potential educational opportunities) on the table. To complete the FAFSA, visit fafsa.ed.gov.

• Search for Scholarships.

Because scholarship money typically does not have to be repaid, it’s important to secure as much of it as possible.

Begin your search using online scholarship databases, such as TuitionFundingSources.com, and meet with your school counselor to discuss other available scholarship opportunities. Microscholarships are another option to consider. Check out sites like raise.me to learn more about how you can earn scholarship money for your high school achievements.

• Understand Family Finances.

Now is the time to have some important family discussions.

Parents should set expectations about money with their students, letting them know what, if any, portion of college expenses they plan to pay. Students should find out if any funds have been set aside for their education, as well as what their responsibilities will entail – whether that involves holding down a part-time job or maintaining a particular grade point average.

• Consider Private Loans. After exhausting grants, scholarships and other aid options that don’t require paying interest, private loans may be worth some consideration and can, in some cases expand your educational opportunities as a college-bound student.

“It’s important to keep in mind that there are often many unanticipated expenses associated

with the college years – from taking an extra course to paying for materials and technology to spending a term studying abroad,” says John Rasmussen, head of Wells Fargo’s private student lending business, who cautions against a cavalier attitude where loans are concerned.

“Whether you take out a private student loan or leverage other financial products to pay for miscellaneous expenses, it’s important to understand the terms of repayment.”

More tips, as well as free college planning resources, can be found at blogs.wf.com/ collegeplanning.

Don’t leave the future uncertain. If you are collegebound, plan ahead to ensure that you can meet the costs of your education.

12 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017

CONGRATULATIO Greet the future with anticipation. Dream big and work

Congratulations!

May your graduation be the beginning of a healthy future.

Maintain your good health with a primary care physician.

To find a doctor, call 888-847-DOCS. KY-221014

ClarkRegional.org

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

ONS CLASS OF 2017 hard. Remember your roots, manners and the way home.

Classes are scheduled.

Accidents and illnesses are not.

KY-221015

Walk-ins Welcome!

Mon – Fri, 8 am – 8 pm Sat & Sun, 9 am – 5 pm

ClarkClinic.org

14 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017

tips for understanding, paying back your student loans (StatePoint) – With an estimated $1.3 trillion in student loans outstanding, it’s safe to say student loan debt is a reality for millions of Americans. While this figure may sound daunting, experts say that greater financial literacy can help students and graduates better understand their loans and pay them back.

“The reality is, people out there are hungry for information.

They want to understand the facts when it comes to paying back student loans and the best way to do it,” says the educator turned hip hop artist Dee-1, who celebrated paying off his student loans by writing the song “Sallie Mae Back.”

To help students get on the right track, Dee-1 has teamed up with Sallie Mae to educate students on financing college, paying back loans, and managing finances. They are offering the following tips from the top of Dee-1’s paying back student loans playlist: • Know who you owe and how much. Understand if your loan is from the federal government— about 93 percent of all loans are— or a private lender like Sallie Mae. If you are unsure, call your lender or check your credit report. Be responsible. Know your monthly payment amounts and due dates.

• Separate wants from needs.

Managing your money means managing your lifestyle. Prioritize payments you must make every month, and make sure your student loan is one of them.

• Exceed your own expectations. Pay more than the minimum amount due each month. If you get a raise or tax refund, use

PhOTO sOurCE: (c) PointImages - Fotolia.com

part or all of it to increase your monthly loan payment. The faster you pay off your loan, the less you’ll spend in the long run.

• Confront reality. If you run into trouble, don’t hide from it, don’t be embarrassed by it, and don’t give up. Stay positive, focused, and look for solutions.

Call your lender or touch base with your cosigner, if you have one.

• Get excited about your future! Be passionate about managing your money wisely and effectively. You can’t make your student loans disappear magically overnight, but you can make a plan for paying them back.

“The exhilaration Dee-1 expresses in paying off his student loans is contagious,” says Martha Holler, senior vice president, Sallie Mae. “We hope his excitement and his direct, doable tips help newly minted graduates get into the rhythm of repayment.”

For more information, visit SallieMae.com, a one-stop re-

source that includes monthly budget worksheets, loan repayment calculators, and informa-

tion about payment options -- including the company’s Graduated Repayment Period, which allows graduates in good standing to make 12 months of interest-only payments before transitioning into full principal and interest payments.

New tech tools also are making managing loans easier than ever. For example, Sallie Mae recently unveiled a new mobile app — available for Apple and Android — to help customers manage their accounts, access loan information, and make payments from smartphones.

Don’t let the prospect of paying back student loans overwhelm you. Financial literacy is a game changer and can position you to move up in the workforce on good financial footing.

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Daniel Everett Jones

Katie Abbigayle Jones

Alexis Jade Ann Jordan

Leslie Cousby Eden Justice

Katherine Grace Kelly

Sarah Elizabeth Kennedy

Savanna Grace Kennedy

Zacary Allen Kersey

Theresa Marie Kiffmeyer

Donavan Kane Kilburn

Taylor Allyson Lake Kincaid

Micah Layne Kindred

Billy Columbus King, Jr.

Frances Rose King

Brandon Tyler Kiniry

Anthony E. Kirk

Chase Tanner Kiser

Tricia Lee Kissick

Erica Lyn Koffer

Faith Marie Koskela

Carson Kathleen Kovalic

Cora Ann Kretzer

Jacob Patrick Little

Ivory Gina Livingston

Preston Lee Losh

Kenneth Landon Lowry

Christopher Alexander Lambert

Abigail Grace Lucas

Rosaelena Nicole Leija

Austin Wade Lykins

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James A. Maddox

Rebecca Leigh Maggard

Darby Elizabeth Manning

Victoria Grace Manns

Daniel Alfred Mantilla

Kira Nerys Gabrielle Mason

Spencer L. Mauk

Jessica Cheyenne Maxwell

Caleb Wade May

Christopher Joshua May

Natalie Grace May

Laura Marie Maza

Chris L. McIntosh

Jeffrey Paul McKenzie

James Conner McClure

Evan Michael McCoy

Austin Michael McGowan

Chase Bryan McIntosh

Colton James McKinney

Joshua Taylor McKnight

Cameron Ty’Riq McKvian

Ashley Nicole Melton

Sydney Lee Davis Melvin

Joseph Tyler Miles

Angela Renee Miller

Caroline Joy Miller

Charles Michael Miller, Jr.

Jada Quianna Marie Miller

James Robert Thomas Miller

Sam Miller III

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Cameron A. Mitchell

Tyler Lee Morgan

Gina Marie Morine

Joshua Storm Morse

Lauren Marie Mudd

Camron Douglas Mullins

Dami Anne Mullins

Kaitlyn Kennedy Mullins

Raymond Jay Mullins

Kylee Elizabeth Murray

Ta’Cora Faith Nance

Maria Nicole Napier

Adrianne Nicole Neal

Megan Olivia Negrelli

Scott Josiah Newlin

Daniel Tyler Nickell

Kindra Nicole Noble

Courtney Nicole Oaks

Rebecca Faye Page

Paityn Carolyne Palmer

Morgan Ashley Palmerton

Destiny Dianna Lynn Parsons

Shawn Micheal Peters

Brian D. Phillips

Summer Star Poole

Autumn Faith Pope

Kailynn Michelle Portwood

Kaylee Dawn Potts

Haley Marie Powell

Jessica Nichole Prater

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Ashton McKinley Puckett

Reagan Kolbi Rainey

Cole T. Raney

Jaycie Gayle Raney

Kirsten Ellen Louise Ratliff

Selena Lanita Rebolledo

Rebekah Grace Rector

Trenton Alexander Reddix

Jarred Scott Redmon

Jacob Dylan Reffitt

Spencer Alex Renye

Keats William Ripy

Hannah DeShea Ritchie

Kierra Luchelle Robertson

Devan Nakole Robinson

Mina Semone Rodgers

Tyler Dwayne Rison

Destiny Elizabeth Mae Ritchey

Colby Steven Rogers

James Keyton Rogers

Matthew Rogers

Carly Paige Rose

Cayla Frances Rose

Jacob Dylan Rose

Taryn MacKenna Rose

Megan Marie Rowe

Chastity Lee Rowland

Samuel D. Rupard

Garrett Eli Samuels

Julia Marie Sanchez

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Daniel Hunter Sandy

Joey Bill Sanzone

Jordan Taylor Schwalbe

Derek Steven Scott

Kenny Lee Segress

Cameron Kayleigh Sendra

Sammy Jamal Shakadih

John Newman Shields

William Robert Shifflet

Caycee Dawn Shimfessel

David Allen Singleton

Timothy R. Sizemore

Avrey Brooke Skillern

Emily Nicole Smith

Hannah Dawn Smith

Jamie N. Smith

Logan Chase Smith

William Patrick Dale Sizemore

Sydney Brooke Smith

Tyra Nicole Spears

Caitlyn MichaelaGail Spencer

Benjamin David Stanfield

Jacob Lee Stead

Caitlain Marie Stewart

Tayzon Shyheem Stewart

Andrea Ty Storlie

Logan Ryan Strejan

Nina Elizabeth Strode

Jacob Kyle Sullivan

James Cayden Sutherland

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Tanner David Swetnam

Bobby Taylor Tallent

Chelsea Elizabeth Tallent

Mackenzie Paige Tallent

Samuel Payton Tallent

Julia Denae Talpas

Brooke Marie Tankersley

Jacob Seth Taulbee

Morgan Lacey Taulbee

Nicholas D. Taylor

Shelby Lynn Taylor

Sydney Hannah Hatfield Taylor

Tracy Jean Terry

Jonathan Neal Thurber

Keely Dawn Tibbs

Katlyn Ashley Tillman

Caitlin Alyson Townsend

Megan Leann Townsend

Tyler Lee Townsend

Logan C. Truitt-Ezell

Mudanar Kelton Turley

Whitney Jean Tyra

Alicia Bristin Uresti

Aline Marie Vanderploeg

Emilee Jordan Vaughn

Brayden Cole Vaught

Roberto Francisco Villa

Nolan Chase Waak

Johnetta Syann Walker

Samantha Nicole Wasson

r

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Jaylen Clay Watkins

Sean Glenn Thomas Watkins

Kaille Noel Weistroffer

Dakota Ryan Wells

Mary Kathryn Wheeler

Alexis Mae Williams

Ezequiel G. Villa

Brettney Kole Williams

Isaac Christopher Williams

Isaiah Jordan Williams

Kennedy Rose Williams

Makayla B. Williamson

Langdon Clay Winburn

Robert S. Wise

William Elisha Witt

Laurayziae Faith Woods

Logan Kristopher Woods

Brennan Elaine Woosley

Congratulations Graduates!

Brooke Michelle Woosley

Katelyn Alysa Wright

Audre Mae Yates

Angellica Zefi

22 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017 George Rogers Clark High School

RILEY HUNTER

You are loved for the little boy you were and the special man you’ll always be.

We love you, Mom, Dad, Ryan and ALL of your family

George Rogers Clark High School

KATIE ABBIGALE JONES

George Rogers Clark High School

DAVID B. CROWE We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what your future holds!

Love, Mom & Todd

George Rogers Clark High School

MEGAN TOWNSEND

We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments.

Love, Mamme & Mom

We are so proud of you.

We love you, Mom, Dad, Nanny & Poppy

George Rogers Clark High School

George Rogers Clark High School

ERICA LYN KOFFER

TIFFANY STAR CONN

We are so proud of everything you have accomplished. Blessings to you at EKU for nursing.

Love, Mom, Dad & Tommy

We are very proud of the young woman you have become. Keep God in your life and you’ll go far!

We love you, Mom, Dad & Brittany

George Rogers Clark High School

George Rogers Clark High School

SAMANTHA WASSON

Congratulations Samantha!

We are so proud of your accomplishments. May all your dreams come true!

We love you, Mom & Dad

HANNAH DESHAE RITCHIE So proud of you. Ready to watch you soar at Midway University.

Love, Mom & Taylor

2017 Graduation Celebration — 23

Thursday, May 25, 2017 George Rogers Clark High School

George Rogers Clark High School

LUCCIA AVERSANO

JUSTIN JOHNSON

I am so proud of the woman you have become. You are amazing in every way.

Love, Mom

So proud of all your accomplishments.

We know you have a bright future.

Love, Nana & Grandpa

George Rogers Clark High School

CHARLIE & JIMMY MILLER We are so proud of you! Good luck at Morehead!

Love, Mom, Dad, Amie & Steven

George Rogers Clark Graduates Class of 2017 No photo was submitted for publication Jason Michael adams, Jr. Nicole renee Barrett doyle alan Bledsoe Mechenna Colleen Bowman Gaga ridge Brooks aurora alajandra Cahue stella sue Chaney Nina Elizabeth Chenault Kayley renee Cockrell Kellee ruth Cole Christopher Lee Cruse Joseph Garrett damron Zoey a. damron diontray Kentrell dean Kena Victorine dijiba Charles adam dunn

ashley Nicole durham alexis Taylor Flack Jada Gose Chandler seth harper Cameron B. hembree Cheyenne Belle hodge Cody Taylor hughes Olivia Joy hurt danielle Victoria Jacoby Carrie Johnson Laikyn Bradley Lee shelbie Jean Francis McCoy andrew Chase McCuddy Jennifer M. Montgomery robert Gage Morris demetrious Tyrell Morton

Tiajah Marshae Owings Breanna Marie Perry Madison danielle Pillion Peggy ann roland robert Evan santos Emily r. scott Kelsey Jo scott amity M. smith sydney rachel Orillanida smith sydney Grace sparks Larry Jacob Tipton Cheyenne Taylor Trent raven Nichole Trent Guadalupe Trevino Tyler Wayne Waak Katelynn Louise Watkins

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CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

76% of EKU degree holders are employed in Kentucky a year after graduation— the state’s highest percentage among all public 4-year institutions!

Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics 2012 Postsecondary Feedback Report

go.eku.edu/grad Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and Educational Institution.