Louisville Senior Anaya Coleman Wins $15K Thomas Family Scholarship

Central High School senior Anaya Coleman won a $15,000 scholarship sponsored by Louisville Water at the 46th Annual YMCA Black Achievers Awards Celebration held at the Galt House on February 15.

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 fifth year partnering with the YMCA Black Achievers Program.

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

To qualify for the scholarship, Coleman wrote several essays, including one on the importance of water in the environment. As an aspiring engineer, she centered her essay on infrastructure.

“Mechanical engineers play a major role in ensuring we have access to safe water by designing and building water treatment systems. These systems use advanced technologies like filtration and chemical treatment to make water safe for drinking,” Coleman said. “Engineers also work on essential infrastructure like pumps, valves, and pipes in water treatment plants to transport clean water efficiently. Together, these efforts help keep communities thriving and the planet healthy. “

Of the five applications received for the scholarship, Coleman’s 4.0 GPA made her an extremely attractive candidate for this year’s award.

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

“Anaya’s aspiration to become a mechanical engineer, membership in the STEM and Robotics Club, National Honor Society, and service as a student ambassador all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA makes her a deserving recipient of our $15,000 scholarship,” Horton said.

Coleman said she hopes to attend the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering.

Louisville Water is excited to help her on her educational journey.