Every year, faculty nominate one student in each academic unit to receive the award of Outstanding Student. These students were recognized on April 24th, 2026 at the Scholars’ Assembly.
Applied Human Sciences: Hailey Ward
Hailey Ward is a standout among an exceptionally strong senior class — a distinction that was not easily earned. After careful deliberation, Hailey emerged as the FCS Education Outstanding Senior on the strength of a near-perfect 4.0 GPA at EKU (3.99 overall across 150.5 credit hours as a transfer student) and the completion of both her FCS Education major and an Apparel Design and Merchandising minor.
As Vice President of the FCS Student Association she helped build the organization from the ground up, growing membership, leading bi-weekly meetings, and spearheading events. She co-led the Sew Much Character service project with Model Lab School’s character-building club, represented EKU FCS at the FCCLA State Leadership Conference two years running, and co-created the proposal that brought EKU FCS to the FCCLA National Leadership Conference for the very first time.
Hailey continues to demonstrate the kind of professionalism and initiative that goes well beyond what any award criteria could capture. In the classroom and clinical settings, she has exceeded every expectation and more!
School of Education: Karmen Garcia
Karmen Garcia is the Outstanding Student for the School of Education. As a current methods student, Karmen consistently goes above and beyond in every aspect of her academic and professional journey. Recognized for her dedication, leadership, and passion for excellence, she was selected to receive sponsorship to attend the prestigious Kentucky Association for the Gifted Conference—an honor that reflects both her hard work and her potential for lasting impact in her field.
Karmen has been invited to speak at the Kentucky Center For Mathematics Conference, where she will share her insights, experiences, and commitment to growth with fellow scholars and professionals. Karmen embodies initiative, integrity, and ambition—making her a standout senior and a rising leader poised to make meaningful contributions to the teaching field.
Clinical Therapeutic Programs: Kenlee Ehr
Kenlee Ehr is the Most Outstanding Senior for Clinical Therapeutic Programs. As a future speech-language pathologist, she has consistently demonstrated remarkable critical thinking, approaching complex clinical and academic challenges with insight and creativity. Kenlee’s overall GPA is 4.0.
Her communication skills are equally impressive. Kenlee expresses ideas with clarity, confidence, and empathy, qualities that are essential in her chosen profession. Beyond her academic strengths, she carries herself with a high level of professionalism, showing reliability, ethical judgment, and respect in all interactions. She is a thoughtful, dedicated, and compassionate individual who will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact in the field.