Although Kentucky Fried Chicken’s 11 herbs and spices might remain a closely-guarded secret, the winners of the KFC Colonel’s Scholars award are well-publicized.
Four Ohio State freshman were honored Thursday at Mendenhall Laboratory for receiving the KFC Colonel’s Scholars scholarship.
Bianca Larkins, Josh Roush, Jennifer McCune and Luke DeBruin were four of only 100 hundred students selected from more than 70,000 applicants across the country to receive the award this year.
The scholarship provides up to $20,000 over four years to help students attain a Bachelor’s Degree.
“College is way expensive,” said Roush, an international studies major. “So it was nice to know I had some sort of assurance. It’s like – OK – I’m going to be able to pay for this.”
The awards were based on financial need, as well as high school academic performance and community service, said KFC Regional Director Troy Richards.”When I first found out about the scholarship I was thinking it was a scam,” said Larkins, an Exploratory major. “And then I found it really was a $20,000 scholarship. It meant a lot to me and my family.” She said with the scholarship she would be able to buy books, pay for her meal plan and put some money toward tuition.
Roush agreed with Larkins’ appreciation..
“I really, really am thankful to this company for what they’ve done for me,” he said.
Richards said funding for the scholarships comes from sales and donations from KFC stores across the nation.
“It’s a huge thing for KFC,” Richards said. “We’re here today recognizing these four individuals and continuing Colonel Sanders’ legacy. Education was really big to him.”
Free chicken was served at the event for friends, family and anyone who stopped by to honor their fellow students.
Ohio State now ranks third for most KFC Colonel’s Scholars, with four award-winners. The University of Florida has had the most scholars with seven, followed by The University of Texas-Austin with six.
Donnie Clark can be reached at [email protected].
