JCPS Senior Erik Ballard eyes engineering degree after winning Louisville Water scholarship

Erik Ballard student at Manual HSErik Ballard graduated from duPont Manual High School last week, just a few months after winning a $10,000 scholarship sponsored by Louisville Water.

Ballard was selected from a pool of applicants for the Thomas Family Scholarship named after the first black family on Louisville Water’s payroll dating back to 1872.

To qualify for the scholarship, Ballard wrote several essays, including one on the importance of water in the environment.


“Water is the most important aspect of every ecosystem on the planet,” he wrote. “The health and safety of our water is a very serious issue that I believe is not discussed enough.”


Ballard and his parents were invited to a meet and greet with members of Louisville Water’s executive leadership team.

“I’m an engineer myself and it’s exciting that we can help someone who is interested in the same field,” said President and CEO Spencer Bruce.

Vice President of Engineering Tim Kraus said Ballard was on the right track because of his excellent grades.

Erik with Louisville Water Executive team
Erik standing with members of Louisville Water executive team

Ballard will attend the University of Kentucky in the fall and is still deciding what type of engineering he wants to study.

“I want to thank you everyone at the Louisville Water Company. It was a great experience to meet all of you as well as hear the story behind the Thomas Family scholarship and the company. It was great to hear all of the effort and thought put into the scholarship and I am honored to have been selected,” he said.

Congratulations, Erik and good luck at UK!