By Carol Klaber
This year, the Sharp Scholarships Committee announced three awards instead of the usual two, the Sharp Class of 1962 Scholarship and the Sharp Family Scholarship. A one-time third four-year scholarship is being given by the Sharp Family in memory of educator Charles A. Klaber, a Falmouth High School Class of 1962 graduate who passed away Oct. 22, 2025.
Pendleton County High School seniors Isabella Roberts, A.J. Redden and Caroline Mains are this year’s recipients.
The Sharp Scholarships were established in 2011 by Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Sharp. The 2026 scholarships are valued at $32,000 over four years.
Dr. Sharp, a Pendleton County native and 1962 graduate of Falmouth High School, was the recipient of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine. He is a professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he is known as a world leader of research in molecular biology and biochemistry.
As of 2026, 31 Pendleton County students have been recipients of Sharp Scholarships.
• Isabella Marie Roberts, daughter of Donald and Kimberly Roberts of Butler, is the recipient of the Sharp Class of 1962 Scholarship.
Isabella has completed numerous AP (advanced placement) and 14 dual credit university courses during her high school years, earning a 4.35 grade-point average.
Her extracurricular activities include FFA secretary, National Honor Society secretary, STLP vice president and high school volleyball captain, as well as playing club volleyball.
She has excelled in FFA public speaking competitions, and she has mastered technical skills in several computer programs.
In spite of a busy academic and sports schedule, Isabella is working part-time as a pet handler at Noah’s Ark Animal Clinic in Fort Wright.
A high school teacher stated, “Isabella is a motivated learner — always working ahead to ensure she understands concepts. She supports her peers in class and is a wonderful example of a student who would represent this scholarship.”
Isabella stated that several elementary and high school teachers set the groundwork for her love of math and especially of biology. Her lifelong dream has been to become a veterinarian.
Isabella stated she was greatly influenced by her sister, Kasie, a veterinarian, who battled medical and personal adversity but always rose above it all and showed up to work.
Isabella’s aim is to practice everyday skills, like time management, teamwork and critical thinking.
She loves animals, and believes she can make a difference for her community by becoming a veterinarian. Ultimately, she believes she “can provide relief to pet owners and give animals the best chance of life.”
She hopes to pay it forward in her profession by helping others needing scholarships.
Her short- and long-term goals are to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in pre-professional biology at Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida, and then to attend graduate school for veterinary medicine.
• Andrew “A. J.” James Redden, son of Mark and Jennifer Redden of Demossville, is the recipient of the Sharp Family Scholarship. With a 4.1 weighted GPA and a high ACT score, A. J. has been enrolled in 19 dual credit and AP courses.
His extracurricular activities and awards include National Honor Society, Student Council, SCUBA Cat-Fish Club, a three-time recipient of the Pendleton High School Good Citizen Award, and academic awards in cheer, soccer and track and field.
Since 2022, A. J has been an active member of Pendleton’s cheer team for basketball and football. He has acquired numerous awards and honors in Kentucky and Ohio from co-ed competitive and game day cheerleading/gymnastics competitions.
In the summer of 2022, he participated in architecture sessions at the Kentucky Governors’ Scholars Program.
A.J.’s volunteer and community service activities include Adopt-A Highway, Elementary School Literacy Night, freshman orientation, the Kentucky Wool Festival, Salvation Army Bucket, VIP Night, bingo, homecoming, Class Night and graduation events.
A former teacher commented, “A.J. is an academically gifted student and service is a core part of his character as he has contributed over 400 hours to community service in Pendleton County. His strong academic record, leadership and service-minded approach ensure he will make the most of any scholarship.”
Enjoying traveling and seeing great cities, A.J. once visited a large hotel in Atlanta and viewed a huge pool on the top floor. With his love for engineering, he researched how this was done and after arriving at home attempted to make his own design.
He enjoys math and construction, and he has been preparing for his career in engineering by taking classes in physics and calculus.
A.J.’s love for innovation and creating structures was influenced by the cartoon characters Phineas and Ferb, who as visionaries, have inspired him to pursue his dream of design as an engineer.
A.J., one of four siblings attending college next year, will be attending Northern Kentucky University. His plans are to major in engineering physics and later pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering.
His dream is to become an active member of the Engineering and Astronomy Club, the Society of Automotive Engineers as well as trying out for the NKU Cheer Team.
• The recipient of the Sharp Scholarship in Memory of Charles A. Klaber-Falmouth High School Class of 1962 is Caroline Rose Mains.
Caroline is the daughter of Nathan and Monica Mains of Falmouth. Caroline has maintained a 4.18 GPA and a high ACT score. She has pursued a total of 26 AP and dual-credit courses, and she attends the Young Scholars Academy at NKU.
Caroline’s extracurricular activities include the 4-H Livestock Club and Skillathon Team, Junior Livestock Committee member, FFA Chapter Historian and Archery. Her honors include KY Livestock Judging, fourth place; third overall Cattle Working Team at the KJCA Convention; and seventh place Kentucky Livestock Skillathon Team.
Her community service includes Saint Francis Xavier Church volunteer, agricultural education and youth mentorship through 4-H, and environmental stewardship and river cleanup efforts on the Licking River.
Caroline has worked on the Mains Family Farm all her life and at the Pendleton Hills pool.
A former teacher stated, “Caroline’s academic achievements are matched by her commitment to service and leadership. She demonstrates empathy, respect and a willingness to collaborate with others. Her peers and teachers alike admire her ability to bring out the best in those around her.”
Living on a farm in a rural community, Caroline’s determination to further her education comes from both personal passion and the example set by her parents.
She said that her greatest influence has been her father, who never complained about farm life, approached every task with determination and quiet confidence, and who exhibited a very strong work ethic.
Caroline said, “My father’s guidance, example and unwavering support have shaped the person I am today.”
Growing up with cattle influenced Caroline’s understanding of animal health and the responsibility that comes with caring for livestock. Her hands-on experiences on the farm have provided a foundation for her future studies in veterinary science.
Caroline plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in Animal Science at the University of Kentucky and later enter a university to pursue a career to become a large-animal veterinarian.