Avery Farmer Foundation

Investing in the next generation as they strive for higher learning and reinforce their passion for serving others.

Turning Pain into Positive

In 2021, a tragic car accident took the life of high school senior, Avery Farmer. His death shocked the residents of Simpsonville, Kentucky and left holes in the hearts of many. Avery had a zest for life and a unique ability to bring people together. Less than a year later the AF Foundation was established. We strive to honor Avery’s legacy by investing in people and giving back to the community. We offer scholarships to high school seniors who have demonstrated selfless love and service to others.

Giving and Growing

What began as a scholarship program to honor a life lost has grown into something much, much more. In 2021, the AF Foundation awarded one scholarship to an exceptional student from Martha Layne Collins High School in Simpsonville, Kentucky. Over the next year the foundation was pleased to grant four scholarships in two different schools. As we look towards the future, we plan to continue this growth and reach schools across Kentucky and beyond. To see our vision realized, we need the support of people within our communities, business leaders, and non-profit agencies. The AF Foundation has partnered with the Commerce Enhancement Corporation (Shelby County Chamber of Commerce) for our scholarship program. The CEC is a 501c3 Charitable Organization and all donations are tax deductible.

$55,000

Awarded in high school
scholarships since 2021

$2,500

Awarded to students
entering the military since 2021

2025 scholarship winners

Trinity Bohannon

Trinity Bohannon loves people and writing. She is a Shelby County High School graduate with a passion for the written word. While being a very involved student and taking on leadership roles in 4-H, student council and the Youth Service Center, she was also writing for the high school paper, The Sentinel News. She was selected to attend the Washington Journalism and Media Conference in Washington, D.C. as a National Youth Correspondent, and has published numerous pieces in Shelby Life Magazine. Trinity plans to pursue her passion for writing and hopes to give a voice to those who need a larger platform. “Words have consequences, so it’s important to find the right ones.”

Edison Hendricks

Edison Hendricks is a Cornerstone Christian Academy graduate with a passion for serving others. While in high school, Edison spent time volunteering with Big Creek Missions in Eastern Kentucky. He had the privilege of helping struggling families with major home repairs, and even renovated a home to become wheelchair accessible for their disabled son. Additionally, he volunteered his time at the High Point Charitable Ministries in La Grange, Kentucky unloading and organizing food for distribution. Edison has a love for flying and plans to pursue a career in aviation. He hopes to one day become a commercial airline pilot and use his talents to deliver goods and services to those in need. We are so proud of Edison and can’t wait to see what his future holds!

Emma Garner

Emma graduated from Martha Layne Collins High School. Emma was very involved in both her school and community. She served as the Chairman of the Family Resource and Youth Service Center, a division of the school that connects students and families to resources. She also received a grant from the Shelby County Rotary Club to implement her serviced project, Gratitude in Action. This project helps support first responders and offers unique ways to show them how important and appreciated they are. Emma attends Simpsonville Baptist Church and loves working with kids through the Vacation Bible School program. Her future plans include pursing a double major in Spanish and Business and continuing on law school. Emma is a spectacular individual with a heart for serving others. We can’t wait to see what amazing things she will do!

Young People Loving Big

High school can be a tough time for today’s youth. Often times these teens are overlooked when it comes to receiving university scholarships. Their paper resume and standardized test scores do not accurately reflect the person as whole. Avery knew getting a good education was important, but his heart was committed to showing people they have a place and a purpose in this world. He loved unconditionally in and outside the classroom. He had a heart for the broken, forgave easily, and knew that even the smallest of gestures could make a lasting impact in the lives of others. To honor his memory, the AF Foundation looks for high school seniors who embody this same character. We look for students who want to achieve higher education as well as have a lasting impact on others – to make a difference in this world and take action when change is needed.

Getting Personal

The AF Foundation receives numerous applications every year. Along with a high school transcript, students are required to submit an essay demonstrating how they have loved big within their community. The essays may include how personal struggles led them to help others, a passion for serving people, or a need to support a struggling community. There are so many inspirational stories. Tales of devastating loss, overcoming great obstacles, and selfless acts of kindness – we felt the need to know more – more than words on a piece of paper could provide. We wanted to meet these extraordinary individuals in person, so we do just that. After much consideration, the committee selects the top five candidates we feel truly embody the love big mantra and sit down with them for an interview. We learn about their aspirations, goals and how they plan to continue loving big in the future. There are kids who aspire to change the world. If they continue to love big, they will.

“You don’t have to do big things to change the world.
You just have to love the one in front of you.“