Churchill Downs Hosts 23rd Annual Event to Celebrate 43 Louisville Area Governor’s Scholars Selected as 2023 Winners Circle Scholars
LOUISVILLE, KY., (November 20, 2023) – Churchill Downs Racetrack (Churchill Downs) last week hosted 43 Louisville area high school students who were selected as 2023 Winner’s Circle Scholars. Selected students were all participants in the 2023 Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP) hosted this past summer at three different Kentucky college and universities; Centre College, Morehead State University and Murray State University. Students, parents, guardians and school personnel, were invited to attend the 23rd Annual Winner’s Circle event held at the Starting Gate Suites onsite at the historic racetrack.
The annual event was kicked off with a welcome by Churchill Downs Sr. Vice President of Corporate Development and GSP Alum, Jason Sauer. Sauer shared words of encouragement for the scholars futures, his own experiences as a program alum and the role Churchill Downs plays in giving back to the communities they live. President of Churchill Downs, Mike Anderson and Jefferson County elected officials were present to award students their official recognition certificates. All those in attendance celebrated with a fun day at the races, all while reconnecting with fellow GSP classmates and gaining insight into what their futures hold as Winner’s Circle Scholars.
“Today, we again celebrate the strongest partnership amongst both public and private institutions in the history of Kentucky’s Governor’s Scholar Program.” Shared Aristófanes Cedeño, Executive Director and Academic Dean for GSP. “We have maintained with our immense gratitude to Churchill Downs this impactful partnership since 2001. With the 43 students recognized today, we have officially reached 740 Winner’s Circle Scholars, meaning Churchill Downs have sponsored two full GSP campuses over the past 22 years.”
GSP is a summer residential program for outstanding high school students in Kentucky who are rising seniors.
The program was established in 1983 as a result of Kentucky leaders’ concerns that the state’s “best and brightest” were leaving the Commonwealth to pursue educational and career opportunities elsewhere without fully understanding the potential of their talents at home. In the spirit of partnership, the Office of the Governor, the Kentucky State Legislature, and private enterprise come together to provide financial support for the program. With this support, all students who are selected to attend do so without charge to them or their families.
To learn more about GSP and their dedication to developing Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders, visit: www.gsp.ky.gov.
About Governor’s Scholar Program
Established in 1983, the Governor’s Scholars Program strives to enhance Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders. The program provides academic and personal growth through the balance of a strong liberal arts program with a full co-curricular and residential life experience. Students must complete an application and compete with others from across the state. The program’s mission is to enhance Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders. The first class numbered 230 and was housed on one college campus. Since then, the program has enjoyed excellent support and grown to over 1,000 students on three campuses. www.gsp.ky.gov
About Churchill Downs Racetrack
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually-held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The saddling paddock and the stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com
About Churchill Downs Incorporated
Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for nearly 150 years, beginning with the company’s most iconic and enduring asset, the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. www.churchilldownsincorporated.com
Media Contacts
Logan Spradlin
Communications Manager
Churchill Downs Incorporated
Phone: (502) 638-3864
Email: [email protected]
