WKU News

Eight new recipients for the Cumberland Trace Incentive-Matt Rzepka Memorial Scholarship Fund were announced Wednesday (Dec. 13). Back row (from left): Sam Rzepka, David White, Mason White, Tina Rzepka and Donald Smith; front row (from left): Ryan Troutman, Ansley Buchanon, Grant Dunn, Kayden Cashion, Destiny Elliott, Eli Mefford and Sidney Coffey; not pictured: Avery Martin

Eight new recipients of the Cumberland Trace Incentive-Matt Rzepka Memorial Scholarship Fund were announced Wednesday (Dec. 13) during the morning assembly at the school.

This marks the 14^th year that these scholarships have been given to fifth- and sixth-graders attending Cumberland Trace Elementary. This year’s recipients are Avery Martin, Sidney Coffey, Eli Mefford, Destiny Elliott, Kayden Cashion, Grant Dunn, Ansley Buchanon and Ryan Troutman. Each student submits an essay about future aspirations and how college will benefit them. More than 50 essays were submitted this year, a record number for the application process. The selected winners will receive $2,000 toward his or her college education that they may redeem as they attend college.

Sam and Tina Rzepka, Matt’s parents, established the Cumberland Trace Incentive-Matt Rzepka Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is administered by the College Heights Foundation at WKU, to honor their son Matt who passed away in 2002 at the age of 22. Matt not only attended Cumberland Trace, but also volunteered with the after-school program intending to pursue school counseling as a career.

Matt was a talented athlete and an avid lover of football and golf, so family and friends started the annual Matt Rzepka Memorial Golf Tournament where proceeds for the scholarship fund are raised. The tournament takes place on the third Saturday of July each year. To date this fund been presented to 92 students awarding more than $120,000 in scholarships. 

Contact: Jessica Carver, (270) 745-2342