Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, center, awarded six Kentucky high school student-athletes 2025 Kentucky High School Athletic Association-Kentucky Department of Agriculture Ag Athletes of the Year awards during the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® State Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena Friday night in Lexington. Pictured are, from left, Kenton Johnson, Jackson Major, Aiden Manley, Commissioner Shell, Abby Knarr, Harper Ritchey, and Laney Pease. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture)
A senior from Caldwell County was among six high school student-athletes who were honored last week with 2025 Ag Athletes of the Year scholarships awarded by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Harper Ritchey, a senior at Caldwell County High School, was one of four students to receive a $1,000 scholarship during a ceremony at the KHSAA Boys Sweet Sixteen® State Basketball Tournament, held on March 28 at Rupp Arena in Lexington. Two additional students each received scholarships worth $2,000.
In a written statement, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell emphasized that participating in high school athletics instills teamwork, leadership, and resilience in students—skills essential for success in agriculture. He noted that these skills also contribute to a successful academic career. Shell stated that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture values a strong educational foundation, which can lead to significant achievements in life, whether through a four-year college or a trade school. He said they are pleased to partner with the KHSAA to award scholarships to the Commonwealth’s best young athletes and agriculturists.
These one-time scholarships, intended for use at institutions of higher learning, are awarded to high school seniors who participate in both athletics and agriculture. The recipients plan to further their education at either a two- or four-year college or a trade school.
Currently, Ritchey serves as a student member of the Caldwell County Board of Education. She was also one of four students from Caldwell County chosen for the Governor’s Scholar Program last summer. In addition, she is part of the leadership team for the Caldwell County FFA Chapter and attended FFA Camp in June 2024. Ritchey is also a member of the Caldwell County High School Soccer Team.
The scholarships are funded by the “Ag Tag” Fund, which receives voluntary contributions from Kentucky motorists when they purchase or renew their farm vehicle license plates. Last year, Kentucky farmers contributed $931,201.81 to the Ag Tag Program. These scholarships are just one way the funds are used to support Kentucky’s agriculture youth.
