KFC Colonel's Scholar News

Helping to change lives this year and every year

November 16, 2011
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KFC Scholars Are Helping To End World Hunger

Out of the approximately seven billion people in the world, 925 million are affected by chronic hunger; that’s one out of every seven people. This sobering statistic is precisely why the Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation and KFC Colonel’s Scholars are doing our part to help end world hunger.

The KFC Foundation has joined the fight against hunger both locally in the United States and worldwide. The KFC Foundation provides hot meals to U.S. natural disaster victims during their time of need through the KFC Feeds program. In April, the foundation distributed meals to tornado victims in both Alabama and Mississippi. The KFC Foundation also works alongside Yum! Brands to raise both awareness and funds annually for the World Food Programme through the World Hunger Relief ”From Hunger to Hope” campaign.

Our KFC Colonel’s Scholars are also doing their part to fight hunger in their local communities. 2009 KFC Scholar Trent Gray has spent over 20 hours volunteering at the New Hope Baptist Church Food Pantry in Steelton, Pennsylvania. Trent spent his time loading and unloading vehicles used to transport food items to the church and also helped the church by stocking shelves and preparing food bags for local residents in need.

2009 KFC Scholar Trent Gray Helps Fight Hunger in His Local Community

Trent Gray is not the only KFC Colonel’s Scholar who is helping to end World Hunger. On October 20, Kris Whittman, 2010 KFC Scholar, spent his sunday afternoon volunteering as a shift volunteer at the K-State/Manhattan “SWIPE Out Hunger” food packaging event. Over 500 volunteers participated in the event, and worked over four hours to package more than 70,000 meals to be sent to the Horn of Africa to assist in famine relief.

The KFC Foundation could not be more proud of our outstanding scholars and their contributions made in the fight against World Hunger. Feeling inspired? You can help the 925 million suffering with chronic hunger from the comfort of your own home! Just $1 can feed 4 children, and a $25 donation can feed a child in school for half a year. Visit fromhungertohope.com to donate to the United Nation’s World Food Programme and to find out more ways how you can get involved and help make a difference.

October 3, 2011
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Scholar Spotlight

This past summer one of our 2009 Scholars, Geobio Boo, interned with Amazon in San Francisco, where he spent the majority of his internship working on creating the Amazon MP3 Android app.

It was definitely challenging, but lots of fun, & best of all, I got to apply all the skills I learned during the school year & work with amazing co-workers (friendly, helpful, &incredibly talented!). I’m really glad that I chose to focus on computer science, & am excited for the coming year.

Not only has Geobio Boo been working hard over the summer at Amazon, he also gives back o his local community. Below is a picture of Boo, pictured 6th from left in the back row with both hands up, after volunteering at the Alameda County Community Food Back.

August 11, 2011
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2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar Charity Golf Tournament

Every year, the KFC Foundation hosts the annual KFC Colonel’s Scholars Charity Golf Tournament to raise money for the KFC Colonel’s Scholar Program. This year, in addition to having over 100 generous, outstanding golfers, we also had the pleasure of listening to 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar, Noor Yussuf give his testimony in a speech he prepared to kick off the 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholars  Charity Golf Tournament.

Here’s what Noor shared with his audience:

Thank you all for coming out on this beautiful day to support the KFC Colonel’s Scholars program. My name is Noor Yussuf and I am thankful for the opportunity to share my story with you this morning.

The road to get where I am today hasn’t always been easy; I’ve had to overcome many obstacles, but thanks to the KFC Foundation, finding a way to pay for my college education won’t be one of them. I was born in Nairobi, Kenya as a Somalian refugee. When civil war broke out, my family of seven fled from Somalia to Kenya in search of freedom.  My family and I eventually made it to America, but even then it was a struggle to find money to help pay for a good education. After a lot of hard work, I managed to maintain a 3.95 GPA and started becoming involved in several clubs and organizations at Waggener High School in Louisville.

Although I have faced many challenges in my life, I have never given up hope. I always do my best in everything I undertake and by using my skills to better others, I am helping to make the world a better place. I am fluent in four languages, Somali, Kiswahili, Arabic and English, which helps me serve as a translator for others in my community, and also I tutor younger students to give back to my community. Although I am highly involved in both my school and community, and have received the Louisville Yarmuth Book Award, Community Leadership Skills Award and People to People Leadership Award, finding money for college was still a struggle. That is why I decided to apply to become a 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.

I was driving when I received the call from the KFC Foundation telling me I had won the $20,000 scholarship. I couldn’t believe it! Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. Joining the KFC family is such a wonderful experience and I am so thankful to be chosen as a KFC Colonel’s Scholar. Thanks to this scholarship, I’ll be able to pursue a higher education at the University of Louisville, where I will be living out my dream to study Political Science, Law and International Relations. I hope that someday I will be able to go back to Somalia and help restore peace in my country.

Here at the KFC Foundation we are extremely proud of Noor and all that he has had to overcome to get to where he is today. Overall, we raised close to $50,000 and had a great time at the KFC Colonel’s Scholar golf tournament, and can’t wait to do it all over again next year!

 


August 10, 2011
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KFC Colonel’s Scholars Love Our Troops

Not only does the KFC Foundation pride itself in supporting our outstanding scholars – we love and support our troops. That’s why we asked over 300 KFC Colonel’s Scholars to send us words of encouragement to show support to our soldiers abroad.

Ariel Olivo is a member of the KFC Marketing team and a friend of the KFC Foundation. Her husband, Captain Douglas Olivo, is currently serving in Afghanistan and to show our appreciation for everything he, and his fellow soldiers, are doing for us, the KFC Foundation and other KFC employees are sending care packages to him and his troop. (Our goal is to send a care package every week they are deployed in Afghanistan.)

In addition to requesting we send a few necessities, Captain Olivo has asked for words of encouragement and support for his troop in these care packages. That’s where our scholars come into play. Captain Olivo and his troop would be touched by hearing words of support from people they have never met, so we asked over 300 KFC Colonel’s Scholars to send us a few words to put in these care packages. Even if it’s just a simple “Thank you,” we are showing these brave men and women just how much we really appreciate the sacrifice they are making.

We were elated by the almost immediate response we received and know Captain Olivo will be moved by the words of our scholars. Read the responses from our scholars here:

  • “I would just like to thank you for everything you have done. It is truly appreciated. Be safe and I hope god blesses you.” – Kenya Crawford, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “While I know that I can never come close to even imagining the challenges you face every day, one thing I do know is that I truly appreciate all that our troops are doing overseas! Thank you so much! Your efforts are not in vain. Know that we support and think of you every day! May God Bless and strengthen you! To live a life saving lives is such an honorable deed, thank you again!” – Sharline Deroiser, 2008 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank you for being dedicated and brave soldiers. I am thankful that you all are protecting our country. Hopefully you all can come home soon! I wish you all the best of luck.” – Erlinda Tran, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank you so much for everything y’all are doing for our country. I know many of you have family back at home that miss you, but are very proud of all that you do. God bless you and stay safe!” – Yolanda Gonzalez, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Dear Captain Olivo and Fellow Soldiers: First of all I would like to personally thank you for the sacrifices you have made to fight four our country. Without people like you guys, our country would be a very different place. Freedom is often taken for granted, and this is why your bravery and dedication is so dearly appreciated. U.S. Soldiers serve this country with such selflessness and honor, and it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I can live my life without fear, knowing that you guys continue the fight overseas. Just know that everything you do is appreciated by the fellow Americans back home. Thanks again brave women and men. Best Wishes!”    – Cameron Hord, 2010 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank you for everything that you do. We just want you to know that we truly appreciate your sacrifice or America and its citizens.” – Kelby McCorkle, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Dear Fighter for the Freedom of the U.S.A. (Captain Douglas Olivo)-Afghanistan:  Thank you for the sacrifices you have made with defending our country and supporting our freedom. Not only myself  ,but the other citizens here in the U.S.A. really appreciate your day-to-day service and we applaud you for your distinguished efforts in keeping us safe. I know that life may get tough out there in Afghanistan and that sometimes you may have even wished that you had made a totally different decision when choosing to serve our country, but being the hero that you are and with being mindful of the well-being of the people and the country itself, you risk your well-being just to give the next person and our country an opportunity and I thank you. I sincerely thank you for giving our country another day to shine with the many opportunities of freedom and hope. Thank you for answering our call and risking your life for a better future for us. I take off my hat to every brave man and woman who serves our country everywhere in this world and I encourage you to keep, keeping on. Your services do not go unnoticed and we praise you in every way that we can. Despite the fact that I have used many words to express how I feel for your courageous efforts in protecting our freedom and country, I could never put enough words together to begin to express my love and concern for you and the work you have put into our country. I am truly grateful. I wish that there was more that I could do to support you. Keep your head up! I pray that you are always allowed every opportunity to come back home to your family and friends. I’ll be praying for you! And I will always remember you every time I think about the struggles that our country had to face. I could never thank you enough. Be safe! Stay Strong! Go ARMY!” – Horzabrey West, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “It is not often enough in my day that I pause to take time out to those who steadfastly and physically endure to give meaning to the word “freedom.” For all that you do and for what it represents to me, I thank you.” – Abria Hairston, 2008 KFC Colonel’s Scholar
  • “To whomever is reading this, I TRULY think you are a blessing. It takes a lot to do all that you do in a single day. You are a remarkable person and I am grateful for you. Keep your head up :) ” – Andrea Young, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thanks you all so much for helping make our great country what it is today and defending our rights, it is because of people like you that we are able to live the free lives that we do.” – Kyle P. Kovacs, 2008 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “I just wanted to take a minute to say even though you don’t know me, you’re risking your life everyday and that is simply amazing.  I know it gets hard day after day, but I want you to know I appreciate everything you’re doing.  I hope that you get back to your family soon!  Keep your chin up and be proud of what you’re doing, I know I am.  Even though I don’t know you, there is someone who does, and is waiting for you to return.  Be safe, and good luck with your bright future.” – Colin Dowling, 2010 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank you for committing and continuing on what you are doing over there to keep what we are doing over here safe and protected. Please know that you and your services are appreciated. Please try to stay safe and take care.” –  Mimi Ho, 2008 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Hi Troops,
    I am Janica Tempero.  I am writing to let each of you know how much I appreciate the support you provide for our safety.  I know that each of you are very brave heroic men and women.  I can never express the thanks I hold in my heart for your dedication and hard work to serve to help keep America free.  I am always praying for every troop and their family left behind. Thank you Troops!” – Janica Tempero, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “To the brave men and women who have sacrificed their all to give me all I have, I salute you. I would like to thank you from the very bottom of my heart for the freedom you give every one of us. I cannot even express how much I appreciate you who have given so much for me. You will always be in my prayers as I thank you for the freedom you allow me, as I pray for God to bless you in your travels and in your life, and as I pray for your safety in the line of duty. “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26) I am always in prayer and thanks to the LORD for your service.” – John M. Punt, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar
  • “Thank you soldiers of America for your continual hard work and sacrifice.  You’ve all done a great job of protecting your country and I hope your futures remain bright.  Keep up the good work!” – Jene Li, 2011 KFC Scholar
  • “I would like to say thank you to all the soldiers for their hard work and dedication to this country. It’s truly a blessing to have such amazing people fighting and sacrificing so much for our freedoms. It does not go unnoticed. Stay strong and safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you.” – Brandy Zapata, 2008 KFC Colonel’s Scholar
  • “Captain Douglas Olivo,
    I want to start by telling you thank you for your service. I am an Army Brat myself and I want you to know that your wife and if you do have children respect you more than you know. I remember that when my dad was away that he was my hero. I know that what he was doing over there keeping me, my friends, my family, and the rest of our country safe. You are doing that for your family. You are their hero. You are a brave and strong man. I am proud that our country has so many people like you in. Thank you!” – Sherrilyn Carpenter, 2008 KFC Scholar
  • “The following poem is dedicated to Captain Douglas Olivio for his continuous hard work and sacrifice, from a KFC Scholar who understands and is motivated by your actions and call to service:

‘Be strong! We are not here to play, to dream, to drift, We have hard work to do, and loads to lift. Shun not the struggle; face it. ‘Tis God’s gift. Be strong! Say not the days are evil, – Who’s to blame? And fold not the hands and acquiesce, – O shame! Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name. Be strong! It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong, How hard the battle goes, the day, how long. Faint not, fight on! To-morrow comes the song.’

Continue to Be Strong Captain.” – Terry Allen, 2009 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.

  • “Dear Troops: We are so happy that you all fight for us. Because of you, we are free to roam and say whatever we want. We are praying for you all’s speedy return. Keep the faith!” – Quentin Torbert, 2010 KFC Colonel’s Scholar
  • “Dear Troops, I would like to pay special thanks to the troops in Afghanistan.  The work you do out there is heroic and I want you to know that we keep you in the highest honor and the most sacred prayers. I hope that one day all mankind can get along so that no mother, father, daughter, son, sister, or brother has to experience their loved ones leaving to war. As so, I pray that God directs you through the safest roads as I know that your mission will be an uphill slope. Whenever you are in times of darkness, remember that you have children who are looking up to you and thinking of you as their super heroes. You guys have admirers across the globe that look up to you as their greatest role-models. This country stands in the safest grounds because of the work you do. Every day we go out of the house with the liberty that we do not have terrorists attacking us. I feel safe in the United States of America. The safest place to live is here. Remember to feel proud of the confidence that you have embedded in every one of us. You are the fathers/ mothers of the children of America. Thank you for making us safe and making the American soil my very home. God bless you all and hope you return home as soon as possible! Below is a poem taken from one of my favorite poets:

In God We Trust
Amidst this horrible tragedy…
Our hearts begin to heal…
For a miracle has happened…
We’ve remembered how to kneel…
For years we’ve gently tucked God…
In the corner of our mind…
Yet as we call to Him today…
He’s allowing us to shine…
A haven for the hurting…
A shelter in the storm…
A comfort for the weary…
The heartsick and the worn…
May this be an awakening…
Of the nation we can be…
A witness as we trust in God…
For all the world to see.
God Bless America.

- Kat Wofford”

– Victor Espinoza, 2009 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.

  • “You are the most brave men and women in the world and there are no words to describe just how much we really appreciate the jobs you do towards our lives. Thank you for being amazing and stay amazing!” – Travis Bullock, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank You for serving our country and putting your life on the line to save others.” – Alanie Harmon, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “How can even express my feelings for our United State Military? I can’t just thank you guys in one tiny little letter. It would take a book to be able to explain to you soldiers how you don’t just help America, you help every single citizen. In today’s society, everyone thinks they have it so bad…….lost their job, paycheck cut, ect. HOW ABOUT RISKING YOUR LIFE EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN…….OUR FREEDOM. My brother, Shaun Ray Fudge a United States Marine, is getting ready to go back to Afghanistan for his 2nd tour….but this time is different, he now has a family, a baby boy and his wife that he is willing to leave back home for our freedom. He will miss a very important time in my nephew’s life, but he does it so we can be free. A soldier is a TRUE hero, someone who lays it all out on the line with no regrets. GOD BLESS EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!!!!! I hope that someday I may be able to make as big of difference as you are making right now. Please come safely home, we are praying for you.” – Kelsey Lauberth, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank you for all you do.  Vayan con dios.” – Anna M. Guadarrama, 2008 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “To the men and women serving this wonderful country, thank you for your service and sacrifice to the United States and all of its citizens.” – Carolyn Butts, 2008 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank you to all the troops who fight for our country. You are truly appreciated for all that you do.
    Stay and come home safe.” – Ciera Charles, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “To our troops: We appreciate everything you all are doing over there! We love you and pray constantly for your safety!” – Kathleen Orndorff, 2010 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “During the darkest indigo midnight, yet will countless stars blossom. – Dr. SunWolf.” – Dakota Nevil, 2010 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “I would like to thank your family for serving our country and protecting our freedom. I hope all the best for you.” – Jane Loueng, 2010 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “First I would like to start with a gigantic THANK YOU for all that you have sacrificed and gave to protect our country to protect us and the country itself. I cannot imagine the conditions and situations that you must deal with on a daily basis. You and your squadron are true heroes! You are all in our prayers daily. Our country would not be what we have here if it wasn’t for the armed forces. Thank you again.” – Adam Jensen, 2009 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank you troops for all of your service. Please know that everything you do overseas is greatly appreciated and highly admired by all those that you help protect. Put God first always.” – Jordan Mizell, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank you so much for everything. My principal from high school has been on active duty multiple times while I went through high school. Luckily he was there to see my class graduate. Seeing him and the pride he has for his country on a daily basis truly helps me appreciate all that you do. Your time and effort keeps America a free and wonderful country and words cannot express how grateful we should all be. Thank you again.” – Michelle Dunn, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank you. Thank you for the time you sacrifice at home with your family and friends to serve our country. You fight for our freedom, my freedom. Thank you. I am PROUD to be an American. God bless!” – Elisabeth Jessop, 2009 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “Thank you for all that you do. I really have a deep and genuine respect for your bravery and courage and for all that you do for your country. God Bless the USA. Thanks again. You are loved.” – Anne Gair, 2010 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • Dear Heroes, No words could be enough to express my appreciation for your service to our country. I have been so blessed to be born, to grow up, and to live in America. Thank you for protecting my family’s freedom and my freedom. I have had so many opportunities; I’ve been able to dream, and mostly to work to make those dreams come true, truly because of your service and sacrifice. You are all a true inspiration in the sacrifices that you make for people you do not even know. Your bravery and loyalty is admiring. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do. May God bless you and your family!” – Justine Dlabal, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.
  • “My name is Nico Nguyen and I moved here when I was 4 with my family from Vietnam. My dad was in the Vietnam War and was able to immigrate our family to America as refugees. He was a prisoner of war for 7 years and always described that time in his life as a sacrifice to bring his family to the US. He said that each year he served was in exchange for one of his children – there were 7 of us who moved. He  always mentioned his love for America because in our time of need, when our rights were being threatened, American soldiers fought for our freedom. All of my brothers and sisters are in college, myself included, and have had amazing experiences in our lives. My siblings have been involved in the Peace Corps, Teach for America, studied abroad and found their spouses here.  We live a much better life than we could have imagined. Thank you so much for all that you have done and will continue to do in the lives of the foreign countries you serve. I want to thank you on behalf of all the children who will see a better future because of you. May God recognize and bless you for your service to others.” – Nico Nguyen, 2008 KFC Colonel’s Scholar
  • “First and foremost, thank you.  Without your dedication and service who knows where any of us would be today.  Because of you, I know I am free to pursue anything I want.  I just want you to know that the sacrifice that you are making by leaving your families behind is not in vain and not something that I take lightly.  Just know that I appreciate all that you do.” – Sarah Bolyard, 2011 KFC Colonel’s Scholar.