“Staying close to home provided the ideal balance of maintaining family connections while gaining independence and pursuing new opportunities.” – Triston Sizemore
Triston Sizemore is a dedicated Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student who has deep roots in Richmond, a passion for education and an impressive commitment to service and leadership. Having spent most of his life in Richmond, Kentucky, he developed a strong appreciation for the local community and the friendships he has built over the years.
Growing up, he stayed active through soccer, track and field, cross country and Scouting America, where he earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Through volunteerism and community involvement, he gives back to the area that helped shape him, making Richmond a place he proudly calls home.
His decision to attend EKU was influenced by several factors. After receiving a National Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship and an additional room scholarship through EKU’s ROTC program, the university quickly became a top choice. EKU’s highly respected education program also aligned well with his career goals. “Staying close to home provided the ideal balance of maintaining family connections while gaining independence and pursuing new opportunities,”Sizemore said.
Academically, he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a Teaching Concentration, along with a minor in Military Science and Leadership. His hard work has earned numerous honors and scholarships, including the National ROTC Scholarship, EKU ROTC Colonel’s Challenge Scholarship, EKU Tier II Merit Scholarship and the Dr. Glynn Creamer Mathematics Education Endowed Scholarship. He has also been recognized for his academic excellence by earning placement on the Dean’s List four times and the President’s List once.
Outside the classroom, he is heavily involved in the EKU ROTC program. His days often begin at 4:30 a.m. with physical training, demonstrating the discipline and dedication required of a cadet. He competed in ROTC competitions across the country, including events as far away as Wisconsin. One of his most memorable accomplishments was winning his first marathon while carrying a 35-pound rucksack during his freshman year. More recently, he helped his team secure a first-place team finish at the same event. He is also a member of EKU’s Ranger Company team, which earned a seventh-place finish at the Bold Warrior Competition and is striving for a top five finish this year.
When reflecting on his time at EKU, he points to the opportunities he has had to help others learn and grow. “Through tutoring math students at Model Laboratory School, working with students at Madison Central High School and creating a study hall program for ROTC cadets, I gained valuable experience in education,” said Sizemore. These experiences have strengthened his commitment to teaching and reinforced his passion for helping students succeed.
Mr. Sizemore’s future plans include serving as an officer in the Kentucky Army National Guard while teaching high school mathematics. Looking further ahead, he hopes to earn a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and eventually become a school principal.