More Than a Scholar Davanna Grubb Recognized for Leadership and Service

More Than a Scholar

Davanna Grubb Recognized for Leadership and Service

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Davanna Grubb, a standout student, leader, and athlete from Raceland High School, has been awarded the 2025 Kiwanis Key Club Scholarship, a $1,000 honor presented by the Kiwanis Club of East Greenup County, Kentucky. This scholarship is more than a financial award—it's a celebration of dedication, service, and extraordinary potential.

The Kiwanis Club of East Greenup County is part of Kiwanis International; a global volunteer organization focused on improving the world one child and one community at a time. The local club is especially committed to empowering youth through programs like Key Club, a student-led service organization that fosters leadership through service to others.

Grubb, the valedictorian of her graduating class plans to attend the University of Kentucky this fall to study biology. Her ultimate goal? To become a physician assistant specializing in pediatric medicine.

At a recent Kiwanis Club meeting, Grubb received the scholarship from Club President Don Golightly and Scholarship Committee Chair Lisa Henderson. She expressed her appreciation and a desire to give back, shared that she hopes to one day come back and become a member of the Kiwanis Club of East Greenup County.

During her time at Raceland-Worthington High School, Grubb was heavily involved in student life and service. She served as Vice President of Key Club, President of BETA Club and the Spanish Honor Society, Secretary of the Technology Student Association, and President of the Pep Club. She was also an active member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

Her service didn’t stop at school walls. She participated in numerous Kiwanis-led community efforts, including Thanksgiving basket deliveries, Run by the River, the Christmas pancake breakfast, Reindeer Run, and Salvation Army bell ringing. She also lent a hand at events like the McConnell House Tea Party and Croquet Tournament, Raceland Trunk or Treat, Shop with a Cop, the Worthington Fall Festival and Halloween Party, an American Red Cross blood drive, and Hope Place’s basket-making project.

A fierce competitor and team player, Grubb was a key player on the Lady Rams softball team, earning her the honor of Pitcher of the Year and being named to All-District, All-Area, and First Team All “A” State. She also ran cross country and fired up crowds as the Raceland Rams mascot.

Despite juggling an impressive list of responsibilities, Grubb faced her challenges head-on. In her scholarship essay, she reflected, “All of the activities I chose to pursue required me to develop strong organizational skills.” She added, “Staying motivated was huge, but setting small goals and celebrating milestones kept me focused.”

But perhaps her most meaningful achievements came from serving others. “Community service has given me a sense of fulfillment,” she wrote. “It has taught me that success is not just about personal achievements, but about how much I can contribute to the well-being of others.”

Whether you're passionate about serving your community, eager to grow as a leader, or just looking to be part of something bigger than yourself, Key Club opens the door to endless possibilities.

Start your journey now. Talk to your classmates, stop by your school’s club fair, or reach out to your guidance counselor or an administrator. No matter how you get there, take the first step toward a future filled with service, growth, and connection and you too can join Grubb in helping to make the world a better place.

Being a part of Key Club has a been a big part of Grubb’s life and she truly is a young woman whose heart for service and hunger for excellence make her a true leader of tomorrow. As she steps into her future at the University of Kentucky, she carries with her not only the dreams of a dedicated student and servant leader, but the hopes of a community that knows she’s destined to make a difference. In her hands lies the future—and it looks brighter than ever.