New SKCTC memorial scholarship honors Wallins legacy, supports students
Published on Aug 26, 2025
A newly endowed scholarship at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College will
honor the legacy of two lifelong Harlan County residents.
Originally managed by Wallins United Methodist Church, church leaders recently transferred The
Ballard Honeycutt and Dorothy Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship to SKCTC to expand its reach
and impact. Preference is given to students who attended Wallins Elementary School
but other students from Harlan County are eligible.
Ballard Honeycutt, a former custodian at Wallins Elementary, was known for firing
the coal furnace each morning to keep students warm — right up to the day he retired.
Though the furnace is long gone, his dedication lives on through the students this
scholarship will support.
Olivia Kelly, the first recipient of the Ballard Honeycutt and Dorothy Honeycutt Haywood
Memorial Scholarship, is a TRIO Student Support Services participant and pre-pharmacy
major at SKCTC.
“Ballard’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those who worked beside him and now through
the students this scholarship will serve,” said Glenn and Barbara Saylor, former church
leaders. “We are proud to partner with SKCTC to ensure these funds help students in
Harlan County for generations to come.”
The first recipient is Olivia Kelly, a TRIO Student Support Services participant and
pre-pharmacy major who is set to transfer to pharmacy school after earning her associate
degree next spring.
Kelly recently passed her Certified Pharmacy Tech exam and has been working in a local
pharmacy for the past year.
“She enjoys the work, which has confirmed her desire to be a pharmacist,” said Dr.
Wheeler Conover, SKCTC professor of chemistry and longtime mentor to Kelly. “The question
I always ask: Do I trust this student to be my health care professional? The answer
with her is, yes.”
This marks the first Southeast scholarship that features and supports a Harlan County
elementary school.
“As someone who grew up in Wallins and walked the same school hallways, I know how
meaningful it is to show young students that higher education is within reach,” said
Tiffany Hampton, SKCTC development officer. “This scholarship builds a bridge from
elementary school to college, showing K–8 students and their families that resources
are available to help them succeed.”
To donate, send contributions to:
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College
Attn: Tiffany Hampton
700 College Road
Cumberland, KY 40823
