Ten CCPS students named 2026 Governor’s Scholars

Ten Christian County Public Schools students have been named Governor’s Scholars for 2026, along with four alternates to the program.

The chosen students, who are Evelyn Bangart, Kaley Bangart, Tyson Cavinder, Kaydon Coats, Azaa Enkhtugs and Lester Macario, all of Hopkinsville High School, and Tristin Dillard, Cooper Fort, Caleb Luttrull and A’Niyah Wilford, all of Christian County, will participate this summer in an intensive, all-immersive 5-week learning experience on one of three Kentucky college campuses.

William Benjamin and Lily Johnston, from Hopkinsville High and Andrew Maxwell and Cody J. Smith from Christian County High School were selected as alternates to the program.

CCPS District Assessment Coordinator and District Representative for the Governor’s Scholars program, Zachary Hibbs, says, “This recognition speaks to the talent and drive of students across our district. The Governor’s Scholars Program is highly competitive, and being selected is an outstanding achievement. We’re proud of those who earned this honor, and just as proud of every student who stepped forward to apply and challenge themselves.”

The Governor’s Scholars program came about in 1983, or of concerns that the state’s ‘best and brightest’ were leaving the state to pursue education and career opportunities without best utilizing the resources right here at home.

The program is provided free of charge to students through partnerships across the state, the Kentucky Legislature, and the Office of the Governor.