Brenna Mefford didn’t set out to win an award—she was just doing what came naturally: leading, serving, and making a difference. So, when the Carroll County High School senior found out she had received a Leadership Award from the Northern Kentucky Education Council, she was genuinely surprised.
“I got an email from Mrs. Lewellyn asking if I had a resume,” Brenna said. “I thought she was teaching a class and needed an example. The next day she told me she’d nominated me for an award. I was surprised because I didn’t even know this was a thing.”
That “thing” turned out to be a prestigious Leadership Award from the Northern Kentucky Education Council, presented at its annual Excellence in Education celebration. The award recognizes students who embody outstanding leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to making a difference—qualities Brenna has demonstrated again and again throughout her high school career.
Her nomination was made by Instructional Coach Christin Lewellyn, who has interacted with Brenna as a student-athlete on the tennis team, a member of the CCHS student council, and as a student.
Though she’s not on campus every day—Brenna is a full-time student at Jefferson Community and Technical College through the dual credit program—her presence at Carroll County High School is still deeply felt.
“It adds a little challenge, but nothing that can’t be managed with talking to people,” she said, noting communication between her and Lewellyn has always been strong.
Brenna serves as student body president and has been an active leader throughout high school—president of her junior class, a member of the Carrollton City Council as a student representative, and a longtime participant in 4-H, where she’s attended leadership camps, the Teen Summit, and served on the State Teen Council. She’s also an Academic All-State First Team honoree and a member of the National Honor Society.
“A lot of 4-H things have helped me develop leadership skills,” she said. “Mrs. Lewellyn has seen me in multiple aspects of leadership—through student council and as a student-athlete.”
Lewellyn has witnessed Brenna’s evolution firsthand.
“Brenna is a driven, dedicated, and passionate young leader whose influence has positively shaped our school and community in countless ways,” Lewellyn wrote in her nomination letter. “She doesn’t just lead—she listens, she collaborates, and she genuinely cares. She created ‘The Little Free Sports Locker’ for local youth because she saw a need and acted on it without hesitation. That’s just who she is.”
Lewellyn’s nomination letter described Brenna as someone who balances academic excellence, athletic involvement, and community service with “grace and poise”—a student who brings out the best in others while striving to improve herself.
“Her sense of humor, her emotional intelligence, her willingness to take feedback and grow—those are things that make her truly stand out,” Lewellyn wrote.
Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes echoed that praise, highlighting both the prestige of the award and the qualities that make Brenna so deserving.
“For Brenna to receive this award was a very dedicated and highly selective process of numerous recommendations,” Jaynes said. “To be one of the four students selected is a reflection of her outstanding leadership and Mrs. Llewellyn’s recognition of Brenna’s dedication for Carroll County Schools. Brenna’s future is bright and we are very proud of this high honor for her, her family and her school. She is a prime example of what it means to empower integrity and engage community.”
After graduation, Brenna plans to attend the University of Kentucky to study psychology, with hopes of becoming a therapist or psychologist.
“Whether she’s on the court, in the classroom, or in a leadership role, Brenna shows up ready to make a difference,” Lewellyn said. “She’s the kind of student who reminds you why you became an educator.”