BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (Oct. 3, 2023) – The Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks began promoting the lifesaving mission of organ donation in 1993. Their passion was inspired by one Circuit Clerk whose loved one passed away while awaiting a heart transplant and other Circuit Clerks with connections to organ transplantation and the mission of saving lives through donation. Together, the Circuit Clerks successfully sponsored legislation through the Kentucky General Assembly that allowed everyone obtaining a Kentucky driver’s license to donate money to promote organ and tissue donation. Since 1993, more than $20 million has been raised for organ donation awareness. Through their efforts, more than 2 million Kentuckians registered as donors, with over 90% joining while visiting their Circuit Clerk.
“Today’s students are our community’s future leaders,” said Stacy Bruner, President, Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks; Current Trimble Co. Circuit Clerk; and Donate Life Kentucky board member. “The Circuit Clerks are excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity for students who have a passion for helping others and promoting the lifesaving mission of organ donation.”
In 2020, the state began transitioning driver’s licenses away from the Circuit Clerks’ Offices into the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC)’s offices. However, the Circuit Clerks remain committed to the education effort they began decades ago.
“The Circuit Clerks are tireless supporters of the mission of organ donation. They founded this organization in the 90s, and they continue to ensure its success,” said Shelley Snyder, Executive Director, Donate Life Kentucky. “The Endowment Scholarship fund was named for our founders, the Circuit Clerks of Kentucky, honoring their decades of hard work in helping those in need of the precious gift of life.”
When the Circuit Clerks began raising money for organ donation alongside the driver’s license ask, it was the first program of its kind in the United States. Since its inception, more than 30 other states have requested information about the program, and many now have similar programs. The dollars raised go directly back into Kentucky through community outreach and public education initiatives such as speaking engagements, events, strategic partnerships, and public relations.
In the new scholarship program, students can express their passion for organ donation and transplantation in any way that inspires them and motivates others to sign up as donors, including writing a heartfelt song about organ donation and playing it on social media, creating a speech for their school about the reasons people should register, or displaying information in the cafeteria to educate fellow students on the facts of donation and transplantation.
“Some of the special aspects of this scholarship are that we do not require a high GPA and extracurricular activities, and the application is simple. The scholarship can be used to pay for future education, including college, trade, or cosmetology schools,” added Gina Lyle, Donate Life Kentucky Board President and former Circuit Clerk of Henry County.
“We know that many of the students who apply have had personal experiences with donation and transplantation, which may have interrupted their traditional plans. For example, suppose a student’s mom is on dialysis three days a week, waiting for a kidney transplant. In that case, she may not be able to drive the student to various extracurricular activities. We want to ensure this scholarship is inclusive and achievable for everyone to take part in.”
Students can receive a toolkit with ideas on how to educate their communities. However, the projects are meant to be personal, independent and creative. In addition to the chance to receive a scholarship, students will gain transferrable skills through their projects, such as public speaking, marketing, graphics, networking, and media. They will also be a vital part of spreading hope and saving lives through organ donation and transplantation.
