Central Lee Middle School student Micah Ashmore has been named a Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholar by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
Out of a pool of 800 applicants, just 43 Young Scholars were selected for the program. Ashmore will receive a five-year, pre-college scholarship in recognition of his outstanding achievements. The seventh grader was recommended for this scholarship by Central Lee talented and gifted teacher, Hollie Weber, and middle school math teacher, Andrew Orton. 
Hollie Weber had nothing but kind words for the gifted young man. “Micah has embraced the multitude of opportunities that Central Lee has provided, actively participating in various activities throughout his academic journey. I am eager to witness the experiences and growth that this program will offer him, as well as his continued success.”
The pre-college scholarship encompasses academic guidance, college advising, participation in sponsored summer programs, internships, music and art lessons. It also provides support for hardware, software needs, and enrichment opportunities tailored to each student.
This has been a long time in the making for Ashmore. He completed multiple rounds of the application process in May 2022, which spanned into the summer as well. Assisted by Nadine Weirather, K-12 talented and gifted coordinator, he was able to complete his application.
“The honor, distinction, and growth opportunities presented by the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholar program are unparalleled,” said Dr. Andy Crozier, Central Lee Superintendent. “We are incredibly proud of Micah for securing this prestigious scholarship, and we have full confidence that he will seize this opportunity, paving the way for his success in high school and beyond.”
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students. The Young Scholars Program, one of the organization’s flagship initiatives, offers tailored scholarships and educational support to exceptionally promising students who demonstrate leadership, persistence, financial need, and outstanding academic ability and achievement.
To learn more about the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program, please visit https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/young-scholars-program/.