Masen Kloss - Western Kentucky University - Band
Jaden Yarbro - Southeastern Missouri State University - Band
Lead trumpet in the McCracken County High School Jazz McBig Band for 2 years
Member of the McCracken County High School Wind Ensemble for 2 years (first chair trumpet for 1 year)
Trumpet section leader at McCracken County High School.
KMEA All District Jazz Band
KMEA All District Concert Band
Distinguished rating at the KMEA Solo and Ensemble event
Trumpet soloist in the 2023 and 2024 Mustang Marching Band productions
2023-2024 Most Valuable Player Junior
Accepted to Murray State University's Quad State Honor Band 2 years
Accepted to the WKU Honor Band
Received scholarship and a spot in the marching band at Southeast Missouri State University for my music major audition
Recognized as one of McCracken County High School's most valuable players at the band banquet 2024
Briley Smith - Southeastern Missouri State University - Band
$750 scholarship for marching band
MCHS Wind Ensemble and McBig Band for 3 years, marching band for all four years and Drum Major for the last two years. Involved in Theater dept every year and stage manager for the last 3 musicals. Youth Lead Class 13 and graduating as an Honor Grad. Joining the Missouri State National Guard.
Waverly Watson - Pointe Park University - Dance
We are honored to recognize Waverly Watson, an extraordinary young woman whose passion, leadership, and dedication shine both on and off the stage. Waverly is attending Point Park University where she will receive her BFA in dance with a concentration in jazz. A 13-year member of Main Stage School of Performing Arts, Waverly has not only excelled as a student but has also served for 3 years as a teacher and 4 years as assistant choreographer for the McCracken County High School Theatre Department. She is a 5-year member of the MCHS Dance Team and served as Captain for the 2024–2025 season. Her talent has earned her All-American honors in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as the Top All-American title and an invitation to join NDA Staff in 2024. Academically, Waverly is equally accomplished. She is a Valedictorian of her class, an AP Capstone Candidate, and an Honors Graduate. She is a recipient of the National Daughters of the American Revolution Youth Citizenship Award in both 2022 and 2023, and was named the October Rotary Student of the Month. A dedicated leader, Waverly serves as the Public Relations Officer for the Student Government Association, and is an active member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and the inaugural class of the Platinum Project. She also completed the Paducah Chamber of Commerce Youth LEAD Class #13 and has proudly served as a Paducah Bank Teen Ambassador for 4 years. Waverly has been awarded the Independence Bank Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 and received a total of $21,000 in scholarships from Point Park University for the 2025–2026 academic year in recognition of her combined artistic and athletic achievements. Waverly's future is incredibly bright, and we are so proud of her many accomplishments and the lasting impact she has made in our community and for the dance community alike!
Owen Hibbs - Florida State University - Musical Theatre
We are proud to recognize Owen Hibbs as one of just 8 students selected from over 1,500 applicants to attend Florida State University’s elite BFA in Musical Theatre program. He is a graduate of the prestigious Governor’s School of the Arts ( for Drama) and participant in the Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute. Owen has also been named an NDA All-American, Most Valuable Dancer, and Rookie of the Year with the McCracken County Dance Team. Academically, he has served in the Student Government Association. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Youth Lead Class 13, and is a 2025 Valedictorian. He is a member of MainStage Performing Arts Center and Theatre. As a Platinum Project participant, his leadership and impact extend far beyond the stage. With 18 offers from top musical theatre programs nationwide, and deciding on FSU- We can't wait to see what the future holds for Owen Hibbs! Go Noles!
Izzy Scheer - Northern Michigan University - Musical Theatre
Izzy Scheer will be attending Northern Michigan University, where she will pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre. An accomplished and dedicated student, Izzy has been actively involved in Student Government, National Honor Society, Beta Club, FCCLA, Smile Club, HOSA, and Glamour Gals. She is an AP Scholar and has earned recognition through the College Board National Rural and Small Town and First-Generation Recognition Programs. In addition to her academic achievements, Izzy is a passionate performer and a student at MainStage Performing Arts Center and Theatre. She has already been cast in NMU’s Theatre & Dance Department’s production of Into the Woods—an incredible accomplishment for a freshman! Congratulations Izzy! Go Wildcats!
Rylee Ronna - Oklahoma City University - Dance Extra Info: Minor in Business Entrepreneurship
Dance Talent Scholarship - $10,000
Presidential Scholarship - $6,000
I have been on AMPA’s elite competitive dance team since 2016 and have won numerous regional and national titles and awards. In the summer of 2022, I auditioned for an attended AMDA's high school summer conservatory with a scholarship. Within MCHS, I have been a part of the theatre department for all four years of high school and was appointed on the leadership board for two of those years. I have also been on the leadership team for the choral department for two years as the social media chair. I am also a member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, Student Government, DanceBlue Mini Marathon, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In October 2024, I was named Murray State University's Teen of the Week and recognized for all my curricular and extracurricular achievements.
Jaya Nesler - The University of Alabama - Theatre / BFA in Acting
Extra Info: Minor in Sales
Competitive Scholastic Excellence and Personal Achievement freshman scholarship, Theater and Dance Departmental Scholarship, as well as a Be Bold Scholarship, and other external scholarships.
A dedicated member of MCHS Theatre Dept. and an MCHS Theatre outstanding ensemble award winner. She is a student at Mainstage Center and Theatre. She is the Vice President of FCCLA, as well as a 2nd Place National Winner in Red Talks on Education. She attended GSA for Drama in 2024, and is a member of MCHS Varsity Singers. Jaya is looking forward to using all the skills she has learned at Mainstage and MCHS to grow her career, and she thanks all her friends, family and educators for their endless support.
Evie Robertson - Ball State University - Theatre with a concentration in Directing
Extra Info: Minor in Technical Theatre
Has received the Provost Award.
Accepted into Ball State University's Honors College, dedicated 4 years to McCracken's theatre department being cast in the past 8 shows, attends MainStage School of Performing Arts for voice, dance, and musical theatre, Kentucky Governors School for the Arts 2023 Drama Alum, Market House Student Advisory Board of Directors, choir leadership board, theatre leadership board, National Art Honors Society, student at Atomic City Voice Studio, Media Club, Technical Intern at McCracken County High School, and teacher aide for drama
Emily Schlei - University of Louisville - Vocal Music Education
I am a GSA Vocal Music 2024 alum, and I have gone to KMEA All-State for 3 years. I have been in Advanced Treble Choir, Varsity Singers, and Mane Attraction for 3 years, and I have been Section Leader for 3 years (twice for ATC and once for VS). I am Crimson Chorale's Teacher Aid, and I have studied voice with Savannah Fallis for 2 years (4 semesters). I have done 3 musicals with the theatre department. I have additionally sung with Paducah Singers and Paducah Symphony Orchestra. I have also had the pleasure to sing with Kentucky Musicians Abroad. This led me to the choice of attending the University of Louisville's School of Music for Music Education with a Vocal emphasis. I have also received full tuition from UofL based on my attendance of GSA, my GPA, and my ACT score of a 31.
Lakyn King - Belmont University - Fashion Design
General Merit Scholarship $56,000
Dean's Scholarship for Creative Excellence $32,000
Member of NAHS, National German Honors Society, FCCLA, and African American Leadership Club and President of Chess Club
Avery Sternberg - Western Kentucky University - BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design, Certification in Game Design
Merit Scholarship
Honors Student, Unweighted GPA of 4.0, taken art classes all four years of high school.
Juried artworks featured in the Yeiser Art Show 2023, featured student artist juried in the Spirit of Kentucky Barrel Head Exhibition at the NAEA Conference.
Joseline Vieyra – WKCTC - Special Education/Visual ArtsThe Community Scholarship Program
Officer of National Arts Honors Society, Member of NHS, FCCLA, NSHSS, Astronomy club, and Media Club, set to graduate as an Honor Student, have taken art all 4 years.
Amel Lundberg - Savannah College of Art and Design – Animation
Academic Honors Scholarship, Achievement Honors Scholarship, Distinguished Scholars Scholarship
3.9 GPA, taken art classes for 3 years, NAHS Exhibition Chair & Vice President, 1st in State at STLP for Digital Element Design, placed multiple times over the years at KYAEA, GSA 2024 alumna, designed and painted Library Mural, and varsity tennis player.
Lauren Bogaczyk - University of Louisville - BFA in Fine ArtsGSA scholarship
Masons society scholarship
3.8 gpa, taken Art classes all 4 years, Member of NAHS 3 years (pin and medal received), GSA 2024 Alumni , 2 time KYAEA 2nd place award winner for jewelry and fashion design
Kaitlyn Kinser - Murray State University - BFA Studio Art, Minor in Jewelry and Metalsmithing
GSA Competitive recurring, Provost
National Art Honors society for 2 years, active part of the arts community, and 2024 GSA Visual Arts Alum. Attended summer workshops at Paducah School of Art and Design as well as revived many awards for KYAEA exhibition shows and many others. Working on her first jewelry line in hopes to become a jeweler and business owner in the future.
Elizabeth Young - University of Kentucky - Fashion/MerchandisingMember of NAHS all 4 years, NAHS President for 1 year, Won first in Pennyrille region for metalsmithing, 3rd in state 2024
Briana Hite – WKCTC – Visual Communications
Briana Hite is signing with West Kentucky Community & Technical College Today. She will major in Visual Communications. Briana has been a member of the Mustang Media Club for 4 years and a member of Mustang TV News for three. She’s been an ATC Student of the Month.
Sydney Hughes – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – BFA – Photography & Media Art
Sydney Hughes will attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She’s looking to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography and media art. Sydney has received the Mocs Scholarship and an academic scholarship. Sydney is an Honors Graduate, was the Flute Section’s Co-Leader for the 2024 marching band season, a member of Quill and Scroll, and a youth board representative.
Jett Palmer – WKCTC – Visual Communications
He’s been a part of Mustang Media’s News Team for three years. He will major in Visual Communications and has received the Community Scholarship. Jett has also been a member of the Mustang Cross Country and Track Teams.
Zachary Poat – University of Kentucky – Sports Journalism
Awarded the Provost Scholarship. He will major in sports journalism. He is a 2-time Media Student of the Month and won first place in advertising at both the 2024 and 2025 FBLA Regional Conference.
Makenzie Wilcher – Ball State University – Media/Sports Production Concentration
She will major in media production with a concentration in sports production. She was awarded the Provost Award and is a finalist for the Pond Family Media Scholarship. She was awarded multiple first place awards for Mustang TV News at both Murray State University and STLP. She’s been a 4-year member of the Media Club and a 3-year member of the newscast.