LEXINGTON, Ky. — The city of Lexington, in partnership with Galls and Central Bank, announced its two newest recipients of the “Be the Change” scholarship. This year’s winners are Michelle Moore and Aline Sandoval Cano.

The $10,000 scholarships are awarded to students of color at Bryan Station High School who wish to pursue a degree in criminal justice or related fields at a Kentucky college or university.

Moore and Sandoval Cano are seniors at Bryan Station High School. Both students plan to attend the University of Kentucky.

Moore is the daughter of Rebecca Riley. Sandoval Cano is the daughter of Gerardo Sandoval.

“Congratulations to these rising leaders who are committed to serving our community in the criminal justice or public safety field,” said Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said. “This scholarship program is providing new opportunities for our young people to become leaders who will have a positive impact on our community.”

The goal of the scholarship is to give opportunities for students of color while also addressing racial disparities within the criminal justice system, according to the mayor’s office.

ONE Lexington is an initiative of the city working with youth and young adults to improve safety and quality of life in neighborhoods experiencing violent crime.

“While we encourage our young people of color to continue using their voices to fight for more equity, diversity and justice in the systems that represent all citizens, we also challenge them to go a step further and BE the change that they want to see in these systems,” said ONE Lexington Director Devine Carama.

“Nothing breeds diversity like diversity itself. Representation is important and we want our ‘Be the Change’ scholarship winners to be professional trailblazers for other children who look like them.”