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.

$75,000

Awarded in high school
scholarships since 2021

$2,500

Awarded to students
entering the military since 2021

2026 scholarship winners

Sofia Aspillaga

Sofia is a hard-working, resilient young woman who has a love for God and a passion for people. Growing up in a home that truly knows how to love big, her parents chose to become a foster family for displaced children. After witnessing the overwhelming need firsthand, she became an advocate for young kids. She even encouraged her own family to expand their already very large household; knowing that meant she would have to give up some personal comforts in the process. During her high school tenure she was a competitive volleyball player, studied Spanish and became a successful entrepreneur and community service organizer. In 2022 she started her own baking business selling homemade baked goods all across Kentucky. She raised thousands of dollars and put the proceeds back into her community to help fund various local service initiatives. Sofia’s love and compassion for people is fueled by her faith. She is a volunteer youth worship leader at Shelby Christian Church and helps lead various services when needed. Sofia is a 2026 graduate of Martha Layne Collins High School and was awarded a $10,000 scholarship. She plans to study medicine at the University of Louisville in the fall. She hopes to one day work with Doctors Without Borders and care for people all across the globe.

Sophia Bolin

Sophia is a proud graduate of Martha Layne Collins High School. She truly embodies what it means to LOVE BIG and serve others. In addition to filling blessing boxes with food and necessities around Shelby County, she has hosted multiple food and clothing drives. In 2023 she founded “Warm Our Winters” and collected and distributed over 300 coats. Additionally, Sophia is deeply involved with Awake Ministries, a Christian based residential addiction recovery center and food bank in Shelby County. She was recently part of a volunteer initiative that spent hours listening and transcribing stories of hardship, recovery, and redemption. These stories are being compiled into a book and will soon be published and sold at The Paddock, a local Shelbyville coffee shop. All proceeds will go to Awake Ministries. Sophia was awarded a $10,000 scholarship and will attend Transylvania University in the fall. She plans to pursue a degree in veterinary science and will also be competing on the university’s cross country and track team. She hopes to one day work in some of Kentucky’s rural areas that lack essential veterinary care.

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.“