Cory Ricketts, a junior at Wolfe County High School, is making a difference in her community though community service projects after completing the Rogers Scholars program during the summer of ‘05. Rogers Scholars is a youth leadership program developed and administered by The Center for Rural Development, headquartered in Somerset.

“The Rogers Scholars program helped me to understand the importance of community service,” said Ricketts. “The program also provided the tools and contacts to get started.”

Ricketts’ first project consisted of working with the Wolfe County Reclaiming Futures Council to host a Fall Bash designed to connect youth and their families with positive activities.

Reclaiming Futures, in partnership with Kentucky River Community Care, has been building a more integrated, community-based approach to working with youth for three years. They provide substance abuse treatment programs, connect youth to education, and provide work opportunities, positive role models and productive activities.

Ricketts’ efforts did not end there. She began working with UNITE, a non-profit organization working to rid communities of illegal drug, use to organize various events throughout the community. Activities included handing out anti-drug pamphlets and pencils to school-age children, and presenting an anti-drug video and organizing “Project Prom” at Wolfe County High School. Future plans include working with UNITE to create a youth coalition to help fight the growing drug problem.

In addition, Ricketts was instrumental in helping to organize the SMILE (Students Making an Impact on Lives Everywhere) club at her school, which recently donated over $200 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Ricketts is the daughter of Jerry and Donna Wright-Ricketts of Wolfe County.

The Rogers Scholars program focuses on four areas including technology, leadership, entrepreneurship and community service. The community service component encourages graduates to get involved in community events and take an active role in leading a community service project. For more information on the program, visit www.rogersscholars.com.