Two Kentucky Kernel staffers were awarded a scholarship on Monday in remembrance of former Kernel photographer Jonathan Krueger. 

The Jonathan Krueger Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship created by the Kernel Press Inc., with the majority of the funds raised through a GoFundMe account by former Kernel photographer Jonathan Palmer and his wife, Danielle. 

The scholarship this year was given to Kernel photographers, Hunter Mitchell and Taylor Pence, for their work as promising student photographers.

Krueger, former photo editor at the Kernel, was shot and killed in April of 2015 during an early morning walk home near UK’s campus. He was a promising photographer that was dedicated to his work. 

As photographers now working at the Kernel, Mitchell and Pence were grateful for the honor they have received after winning the scholarship. Both stated that Krueger played a big role in their decision to become a photographer.

“Jonathan was such an amazing guy with such a heart for photography. He taught me so much in the short amount of time that I knew him,” Mitchell said. “To be awarded with something that represents him and all he lived for is a really great feeling.”

Related: Kernel awarded ‘Pulitzer Prize of college journalism’

When first introduced, the scholarship raised over its goal through the GoFundMe page. The Kernel Press Inc. plans on giving a promising and dedicated Kernel photographer the scholarship fund each fall. 

This year, the selection board split the scholarship between both Mitchell and Pence. Editor-in-Chief Marjorie Kirk said that she is glad both staffers got the scholarship because it would have been difficult to choose who was more deserving. 

“They both make me so proud because I see Jonathan’s investment in them unfold almost everyday when they’re in the office,” Kirk said. 

The money awarded to each Kernel photographer selected, by the Kernel Board, is put towards the tuition of the student. 

Krueger’s legacy and dedication to photography lives on through the scholarship that will inspire passionate Kernel photographers for many years.

“I can only hope I bring the same spirit and enthusiasm Jonathan brought to the photo room and every assignment he shot,” Pence said.