Ripple Effect Scholarship Awards Announced Six High School Seniors Rewarded for Environmental Efforts

Kentucky American Water has awarded Ripple Effect Scholarships to six Kentucky high school seniors for their academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to the environment, marking the twelfth year the company has offered the scholarship program. The 2014 recipients are Marie Armbruster of Lafayette High School, Evan Bowman of Bourbon County High School, Lisa Cole of Sayre Upper School, Madison Dixon of Harrison County High School, Nicholas Michl of Lafayette High School, and Tara Wolfenbarger of Bourbon County High School. Each student receives a $500 award from the company for use at an institution of higher education.

This year’s Ripple Effect Scholarship recipients have demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship through activities such as providing water bottle refilling stations in all Fayette County high schools, leading environmental programming for 4-H summer camp participants, removal of several hundred pounds of litter and debris from the Hinkston Creek waterway, restoration and facility repairs at the Shallow Flats wetland area at Cave Run Lake, working through local FFA programs to teach children about vegetable gardening, assistance with clean-up efforts after the West Liberty tornado, and participating in many other community environmental efforts.

“Ripple Effect scholarships are awarded to students based on the criteria of academic achievement, demonstrated track record of community service, and most importantly, initiation of specific projects that benefit the environment. These six students are exemplary in every regard and highly deserving of receiving this award,” according to Kentucky American Water president Cheryl Norton. “Congratulations to these youngpeople, their educators and mentors, and parents for being on the front lines of preserving and protecting our natural environment. We wish them all the best as they pursue their academic endeavors and prepare for careers and leadership opportunities in the future.”

Kentucky American Water established the Ripple Effect Scholarship program in 2002. High school seniors in the company’s 10-county service area are eligible to apply. Since 2002, the company has awarded a total of $49,500 to 83 Kentucky students.

Kentucky American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately half a million people. The company was recognized as a Best Place to Work in Kentucky in 2014. For more information, visit www.kentuckyamwater.com

Founded in 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com