Kentucky American Water Announces Ripple Effect Scholarship Winners

Kentucky American Water has awarded Ripple Effect Scholarships to six Kentucky high school seniors for their academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to the environment. The 2011 recipients are Dillon Hickman, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School; Blake Lynch, Lexington Catholic High School; Timothy Michl, Lafayette High School; Haley Mullins, Grant County High School; Brett Walles, Henry Clay High School; and Britni Paige Wilson, Gallatin County High School. Each student receives a $500 award from the company for use at a higher education institution.

In addition to performing at top levels in the classroom, this year’s Ripple Effect Scholarship recipients have demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship through activities such as employing organic farming techniques, helping with community gardens, encouraging volunteers for reforestation projects, championing Adopt-A-Highway participation and volunteering at river cleanups.

"Kentucky American Water is pleased to offer a scholarship program that recognizes bright young people who have demonstrated a commitment to protecting the environment,” said President Cheryl Norton. "They serve as terrific examples of what individuals can do to not only make a difference today, but inspire others to follow in their footsteps. As a water utility, we are especially grateful for individuals who help make a difference in protecting our waterways and watersheds.”

Kentucky American Water established the Ripple Effect Scholarship program in 2002. High school seniors in the company’s 10-county service area are eligible to apply. Since 2002, the company has awarded a total of $42,000 to 68 Kentucky students.

Kentucky American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately half a million people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125^th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.