JCPS Graduate Anaya Coleman Heads to University of Louisville After Winning $15K Louisville Water Scholarship

Jefferson County Public Schools graduate Anaya Coleman is on her way to the University of Louisville to study mechanical engineering.

Coleman graduated from Central High School last week with a 4.0 GPA, just a few months after winning a $15,000 scholarship sponsored by Louisville Water.

Coleman is the fifth winner of the Thomas Family Scholarship, an award named after the first Black family on Louisville Water’s payroll dating back to 1872. She won the scholarship through the YMCA Black Achievers Program in February.

To qualify for the scholarship, Coleman wrote several essays including one on the importance of water in the environment. She was selected from five other applicants, coming out on top because of her exceptional GPA, extracurricular activities, and career aspirations.

“Safe water is vital for life and our planet. Many take it for granted…but I know and appreciate how life changing it is. As a mechanical engineer, I can focus on creating innovative solutions to ensure everyone has access to this indispensable resource,” Coleman wrote.

Louisville Water President & CEO Spencer Bruce welcomed Coleman and her mother to meet with the company’s Executive Leadership Team and Thomas Family Scholarship Selection Committee.

“Anaya is a deserving candidate, and we’re excited to help her with her college education,” Bruce said.

Coleman is getting a head start and is already attending a summer program at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering at UofL before classes begin in the fall.

“I am really excited to start this new chapter of my life and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me!” she said.

Congratulations, Anaya and good luck at UofL!