Highlights from our Current Scholars!

Tanner Stevens is a Tenor by Matthew Reams

Tanner Stevens, a class 10 Robinson Scholar from Lawrence County, is currently in his second year at the University of Kentucky. As a music education major, music has always been a big part of Stevens’ life. He first joined his high school choir in his junior year at Lawrence County High, while getting involved in some other small singing groups from there. When he heard of the UK Men’s Chorus, Stevens knew he wanted to join.

The Men’s Chorus started in Fall 2002 and has grown in popularity and size every year. Ranging from freshmen to graduate students, the 80 person ensemble perform a wide variety of songs from modern hits to classics, according to the Men’s Chorus website.  Stevens has been involved since his first semester of his freshman year, in which he receives 1 hour of college credit per semester. The Chorus practices twice a week and performs an active schedule throughout the state of Kentucky.

While also performing in the Men’s Chorus, this semester, Stevens joined a group called Blue Note, an a cappella group composed mostly of sophomores and freshmen. This is both men and women, ranging from different musical backgrounds. Stevens is a tenor for the group, and Blue Note is one of four a cappella groups in the school of Music at the University of Kentucky. Blue Note does not perform as often as the Chorus, but they still practice twice a week.
“I enjoy singing, so Blue Note was a chance to not be as classical, but more popular in music choice,” Stevens said about his decision to join the a cappella group. “It’s a great way to get closer and gain friends. Everyone does not get a chance to be part of a cappella, and this was a great chance to,” Stevens explained.

Stevens and his Blue Note group performed in UK’s “A Night on Broadway” and the a cappella group sung the piece called “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. They also practice do-op and other styles. They meet and practice on Mondays and Wednesdays, in which Stevens goes to Men’s Chorus right after.

“It may be rough with rehearsals and concert deadlines, but a choir and singing is an outline and relief from other academic stresses,” Stevens added. “If anyone has a desire to sing or go after it, you may not sound as good at first but you pick it up, then you can learn anything if it’s a passion of yours.”

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Dancing for a Dream: Amanda Newsome by Matthew Reams

Amanda Newsome, class 11 Robinson Scholar, from Floyd County, arrived at UK with many hopes and aspirations to do well at Kentucky’s Flagship University. One of those goals is to dance on the UK Dance Team, something she is training to do before the March 17th dance clinic. As a freshman living on campus, Newsome takes her dancing experience and leadership skills with her to the dance floor, working hard to be member of the talented women’s team.

Newsome started dancing four years ago as a freshman at Betsy Lane High School, while also staying involved in track and field, volleyball, church, president of Beta Club, and National Honors Society. She became co-captain of the dance team her junior year, then became captain her senior year. “My high school coach mentioned the UK dance team in my senior season and her coach stated that she was ready,” Newsome shared.

“I dreamed of being on the UK dance team because I not only love to dance, but I also love the Big Blue Nation,” Newsome said. One way students can become part of the dance team is to be selected through a series of video submissions, bypassing the need for the coaches to see them dance in extended rounds at the clinic.

“I was afraid to submit it though,” Newsome said. “I didn’t want to fall behind at UK.” Newsome has had a successful and fulfilling first year so far, however. She has volunteered at the UK’s Children’s Hospital twice and fell in love with UK’s diversity. “At UK, I have met so many new and interesting friends.”

“I have had a great first semester and wouldn’t change a thing,” Newsome added. After getting used to the college lifestyle, Amanda has found more independence and security as a successful first year Wildcat. She decided that she would try out for the dance team in her second year of college.

“Friends have been helping me from the varsity dance team to mentally prepare me, and they have really been encouraging,” Newsome said. She has been practicing her techniques and training athletically at the Johnson Center and The Underground (located under Donovan Hall) about three to four times a week. She even has a fitness trainer at The Underground . She takes full advantage of the large mirrors located at the gym so she can see and perfect her dancing techniques.

Newsome is not only passionate about dancing, but she also loves being part of the UK culture. “I love to dance, but I really love the Big Blue Nation. It is awesome that the school spirit is so high. I am really proud of being a Wildcat and a part of RSP, not only an athlete but a Scholar.”

Newsome also encourages other scholars and students to reach for their aspirations. “If there is something you really want to do, and it has always been a dream of yours, there is always an opportunity. You just have to explore and find it.”

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A Look into Class 11 Scholar Alyssa Elswick

Alyssa Elswick, class 11 from Carter County, is spending her first year at the University of Kentucky campus. She graduated from West Carter High School and majoring in Biology with her career goal of one day making into medical school. She is a bright student that looks to succeed at UK.
Elswick enjoys her free time and releases some of the college freshmen stress by playing video games, observing nature, and listening to music. “I carry my Bose headphones with me almost everywhere I go,” she said. She explained her favorite music, “I have an erratic taste in music. I’m always listening to different genres but my favorite artists at the moment would have to be AWOLNATION, Deadmau5, Florence+ the Machine, and Coldplay.”

Her top two favorite styles of food are Italian and Chinese food, which are both available on campus. She said what she enjoys most about attending UK, “I’ve really enjoyed the social experience. I’ve met some awesome people and it’s really helped me to come out of my shell. I also like the academic environment; there’s always an opportunity to learn something new even when I’m not in class.”
She wants to impact world by helping others, also. “All I want to do is bring a little more happiness to the world. If I become a doctor, that’s fantastic: I love the idea of helping people heal; but more than anything, I just want to show people that kindness isn’t dead and that no one is ever alone.”

The Robinson Scholars Program, like the other scholars, means a lot to her. “The Robinson Scholars Program gave me the chance of a lifetime to change the course of my family's history and make something wonderful of my life. It's a blessing and has opened so many roads for me that otherwise wouldn't have been accessible. I plan on stepping very, very wisely.”

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A Look Into Class 12 Scholar Taylor Johnson

Taylor Johnson is from Pike County and is in her senior year at Shelby Valley High School. She is a class 12 Robinson Scholar and enjoys studying history and English. After she graduates in May, she wants to major in Secondary Education or Communication Disorders at the University of Kentucky.
Johnson enjoys playing volleyball, golf and running for track in which she serves on her high school team in each. She is a club member in FCA, National Honors Society, Junior Advisory, Hands Off Tobacco, Yearbook, Operation Unite, and Beta Club among other groups. She is also involved in her church youth group and loves spending time with family and friends.
Her favorite music is country and pop, and her favorite food is “homemade potato soup or Lucky Charms cereal.”
When she arrives at UK, she is most excited about “continuing my education, gaining new experiences, and of course UK basketball games.”

Johnson also wants to impact the world by “educating students not only in my field of study but in every aspect of their lives. I want to be the person who they remember as helping them achieve their goals and molding them into the adults they will become. I want to teach them to not give up and they can achieve anything they want to be. I want to be that extra shove.”

Johnson also shared what the Robinson Scholars program means to her: “What Robinson Scholars means to me is everything. There are not even words to describe how much of a difference it has already made in my life. It has opened doors I didn't even think I had a key to open. It has given me something to look forward too. I have met so many wonderful people and became friends with my future classmates. Coming from a small town I didn't think I would ever have the opportunity I have. The Robinson Scholars program has made my dreams become a reality.”