A group of Lexington high school graduates were awarded scholarships Tuesday as a way to address gun violence.
The money comes from the state’s Everybody Counts initiative, which is meant to give opportunities to high school seniors.
Eighteen of those students are getting $10,000 scholarships to pursue fields that can mitigate the root causes of gun violence. That includes careers in education, social work and criminal justice.
Another 12 students affected by gun violence are being awarded career and technical education scholarships from a $100,000 fund.
Montae Ashford is one of those recent graduates. He says his plan is to become a therapist and a positive role model for his community.
“I feel as if there aren't many Black therapists in the world, I feel like there should be more. And I just want to be that person to push towards that in the world, so I can help give back to younger people like me," Ashford said.
The awards were granted in part by One Lexington, a local initiative meant to address gun violence. One Lexington Director Devine Carama says they’re meant to positively impact Lexington’s future.
“What this scholarship opportunity has done is allow these young people to step up and be the best version of themselves so that they can change their community for the better," Carama said.
Everybody Counts also awarded $150,000 for school mentoring programs, and another $70,000 for student support services.
