PRESS RELEASE
Celebrating the next generation of Donate Life advocates carrying forward a mission Kentucky’s Circuit Clerks began in 1992
Kentucky’s Circuit Court Clerks are proud to announce the winners of its statewide Donate Life Scholarship Program. These student leaders were selected for their passion, creativity, and commitment to the lifesaving mission of donation and transplantation. Twenty students across Kentucky were awarded $1,000 scholarships this year, totaling $20,000, for their public education and outreach efforts.
“I survived only because of organ donation,” shared scholarship recipient and UK student, Riley Speck, who received a heart transplant at just eighteen months old after being diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy as an infant. “The generosity of my donor gave me the opportunity to grow up, pursue my dreams, and advocate for others. Organ donation is not an abstract cause to me, it is the reason I am alive today.” Riley has spent much of his life advocating for donation awareness, including competing in the Transplant Games of America, speaking to schools and business leaders, and sharing his story publicly to encourage others to register as organ donors.
These winners represent communities across Kentucky, and each has a personal connection to the lifesaving mission of donation and transplantation. Their outreach efforts included school-wide awareness campaigns, social media advocacy, classroom presentations, public speaking, and community education encouraging others to register as organ donors.
“The students of today are tomorrow’s advocates, and it’s inspiring to see so many young Kentuckians use their voices for good,” said Angelia Doolin, Circuit Clerk of Lincoln County. “This scholarship is one way we continue the lifesaving mission education we began more than 30 years ago.”
2026 Donate Life Kentucky Scholarship Winners:
Avery Robinson, Kenton County
Jacob Leach, Scott County
Tabitha Stevenson, Grayson County
Haley Robinson, Martin County
Kayla McDonald, Crittenden County
Trey Christopher Floden, Shelby County
Bailey Poole, Hancock County
Riley Speck, Fayette County
Jonathan Voorhees, Boone County
Karaline Ratliff, Scott County
Tristan French, Hancock County
Aubri Robinson, Franklin County
Salena Amro, Harlan County
Stuart Knight, Hardin County
Ella Thompson, Bullitt County
Ashtyn Markus, Campbell County
Zayna Yazigi, McCracken County
Catherine Elizabeth Osborne, Daviess County
Addison Morgan, Metcalfe County
Connor Klein, Jefferson County
The Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks has long been at the heart of donation education. Since launching a $1 donation program at the driver’s license counter in 1992, Kentucky’s Circuit Clerks raised more than $20 million for donation education and awareness. Over 90% of Kentucky’s 2 million+ registered organ donors signed up through their Circuit Clerk’s office.
Even as driver’s license services have transitioned to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Circuit Clerks remain passionate champions of the Donate Life mission.
“Our Circuit Clerk Endowment honors the legacy of our founders, who built the foundation for organ donation education in our Commonwealth,” said Shelley Snyder, Executive Director of Donate Life Kentucky Trust. “Their support continues to grow a culture of generosity and hope in all 120 Kentucky counties.”
About Donate Life Kentucky Trust
Donate Life Kentucky Trust is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to saving and improving lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Founded in 1992 by Kentucky’s Circuit Clerks, the Trust educates communities and addresses the unmet needs of those impacted by donation and transplantation. Through statewide education, Donate Life Kentucky Trust strengthens public trust in donation and ensure more Kentuckians give the gift of life. The organization also serves as a trusted resource for transplant patients, caregivers, and donor families offering financial assistance and community connections. Programs are supported through KYTC driver’s license contributions, partnerships with the Kentucky Circuit Clerks, Kosair for Kids, Network for Hope, and other generous contributors. Donate Life Kentucky Trust serves families in all 120 Kentucky counties. For more information, visit www.donatelifeky.org, call or text 502-694-3015, or email info@donatelifeky.org.
