KNOTT COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) – Cordia School senior Shakirah Johnson has been awarded one of this year’s Tony Turner Memorial Scholarships.
The scholarship honors former WYMT station manager and anchor Tony Turner, who died after a car crash in 2002. It is given each year to students who show an interest in journalism and a commitment to service.
This story will air on WYMT Mountain News at 6 p.m.
Johnson said writing has always been a meaningful part of her life, and she hopes to use it to make a difference.
“I heard about it from my counselors and other seniors that were already applying and I just thought maybe I can try to be one,” Johnson said.
Johnson said her love of writing started in English class, where she discovered how much she enjoyed creative writing and expressing herself. Her English teacher, Mariah Warner Fletcher, said she has watched Johnson grow from a shy freshman into a confident senior.
“As a freshman, she was a little bit on the shy side, not the first of volunteer in class and as a senior she has blossomed into the most friendly and creative and thoughtful young lady,” Fletcher said.
Johnson hopes to combine her love of storytelling and science to make a difference in people’s lives.
“Writing like medical books… I just want to do something to help people and make others feel better,” she said.
Her teacher believes that combination of heart and skill is exactly what the Tony Turner scholarship was designed to recognize.
“She’s just a truly a good person and I am so incredibly excited to see her being given the opportunity to pursue something that she’s interested in,” Fletcher said.
The other two scholarship recipients are Kayley Roberts from Clay County High School and Skylar Rife from Phelps High School.
WYMT will be highlighting the other two scholarship recipients in the coming weeks.
Proceeds from the Tony Turner Golf Classic presented by Food City go towards the scholarship fund.
Since 2003, the fund has awarded local students more than $55,000 in scholarships.
The 2025 golf tournament was held Friday at Stonecrest Golf Course in Prestonsburg.
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