Oldham County Senior Quincy Barnett Wins $15K Thomas Family Scholarship

South Oldham High School senior Quincy Barnett won a $15,000 scholarship sponsored by Louisville Water at the 47th Annual YMCA Black Achievers Awards Celebration held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on February 28.

The Thomas Family Scholarship is named after the first Black family on Louisville Water’s payroll dating back to 1872. This is Louisville Water’s sixth year partnering with the YMCA Black Achievers Program , an organization open to all students regardless of race.

For the first four years, the company awarded a $10,000 scholarship, but Louisville Water’s Executive Leadership Team approved a $5,000 increase in 2025, making the award $15,000.

To qualify for the scholarship, Barnett wrote several essays, including one on the importance of water in the environment. As an aspiring engineer, he centered his essay on sustainability.

“Safe water is a vital necessity that is responsible for the sustainability of all life on earth,” Barnett wrote.

Of the four applications received for the scholarship, Barnett’s 4.0 GPA made him an extremely attractive candidate for this year’s award.

Louisville Water Digital Media Specialist Lauren Horton chaired the Thomas Family Scholarship selection committee.

“Quincy’s preparedness and aspiration to become a mechanical engineer, membership in the National Society of High School Scholars, and member of his school’s lacrosse team all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA makes him a deserving recipient of our $15,000 scholarship,” Horton said.

Barnett said he hopes to attend the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering or Morehead State University’s Aerospace Engineering program.

Louisville Water is excited to invest in Barnett’s education. He’s expected to graduate from South Oldham in May 2026.