Gabriella Burton: Foundation for the Tri-State Community Announces Deborah’s Porch Scholarship winner.

ASHLAND, Ky. – Gabriella Burton, a graduate of East Carter High School, is the 2020 recipient of the Deborah's Porch Scholarship. She is the daughter of Josh Burton and Heather Sizemore and plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University in the fall.This award was established in 2016 by the Combs family to provide a scholarship to a graduating senior at East Carter High School who demonstrates an outstanding record of community service, good behavior, and proven leadership skills. The Friends of Deborah’s Porch are a special group of friends who were inspired by Deborah Meenach Combs. She loved to sit on her porch to read, contemplate, study, and dream of getting things done for her community, whether that community was her classroom, school, neighborhood, civic group or county. It was a place of comfort and relaxation. Deborah was proof that a small place like a porch can be a jumping off point to help people and places far beyond your own backyard.


The Deborah’s Porch Scholarship is one of 49 scholarships and awards totaling $72,585 that have been presented in 2020 to young men and women from funds at the Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Inc., according to Foundation President Mary Witten Wiseman. “The organizations and individuals that provided the funds for these scholarships make it possible for these talented students to pursue their dreams and goals,” Wiseman said. “These scholarships help offset the cost of college and other continuing education.”