For Immediate Release
Media Contact: | Wanda Darland, KASA Director of Communications (502) 875-3411, Ext 106 • wandad@kasa.org |
July 8, 2026
KASA Awards 2026 Benny Dunning Pay It Forward Scholarships to Three Kentucky Seniors
(Frankfort, Ky) — Three Kentucky seniors whose lives have been shaped by perseverance, service, and a commitment to helping others have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Benny Dunning Pay It Forward Scholarship. The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) awarded scholarships to Kannia Davis of Seneca High School, Briley Hooker of Clay County High School, and Elizabeth Deffendall of Frederick Douglass High School. Each student will receive a $3,500 scholarship to support their
pursuit of higher education in Kentucky.
“These students represent exactly what the Benny Dunning Pay It Forward Scholarship was created to recognize,” said KASA Executive Director Dr. Rhonda Caldwell. “Each has faced significant challenges, yet all three have chosen paths centered on helping others. Their stories demonstrate resilience, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities and beyond.”
The scholarship honors the legacy of Benny Dunning, whose own educational journey was made possible through the generosity of others. Inspired by the encouragement he received to ‘pay it forward’ rather than repay that kindness directly, Dunning established the scholarship to help Kentucky students pursue their educational goals while creating opportunities for others in return.
Davis, a senior at Seneca High School in Louisville, plans to attend the University of Kentucky and pursue degrees in Agricultural Ecosystem Sciences and law. A first-generation college student, she has emerged as a leader through the National FFA Organization, student ambassador programs, and community service initiatives. Davis hopes to use her education to advocate for Kentucky farmers and ensure agricultural communities have a voice in shaping the future of the industry.
Hooker, a senior at Clay County High School, plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University before pursuing a law degree. Inspired by legal internships and experiences working alongside attorneys and public officials, he has developed a passion for advocacy and public service. His goal is to return to rural Kentucky as an attorney dedicated to serving his community and helping others navigate complex legal challenges.
Deffendall, a senior at Frederick Douglass High School, plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University and pursue a career in pediatric occupational therapy. After overcoming significant medical challenges, family hardships, and personal adversity, she developed a passion for helping children discover their own strength and potential. Through her future work, she hopes to become an advocate and source of encouragement for young people facing obstacles similar to those she has overcome.
While their journeys have been different, Davis, Hooker, and Deffendall share a common commitment to using their education in service of others. Whether through agriculture, law, or healthcare, each plans to build a future that extends opportunity, advocacy, and support to those around them. Their stories reflect the vision behind the Benny Dunning Pay It Forward Scholarship, namely, that a helping hand today can create a lasting impact for generations to come.
KASA is the largest school administrator organization in Kentucky, representing more than 3,300 education leaders across the Commonwealth. Founded in 1969, KASA connects education leaders to policymakers and provides professional development, advocacy, and support to strengthen public education in Kentucky.