Norfolk Southern has named 103 students as 2026 Thoroughbred Scholars, recognizing the achievements of railroaders’ children across the company’s network.
This year’s cohort includes 100 students receiving scholarships of up to $10,000 over four years, along with three distinguished scholars receiving scholarships of up to $40,000 over four years. Recipients are high school seniors and college students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to their communities.
"Congratulations to this year’s Thoroughbred Scholars. This achievement reflects not only their academic success, but also their leadership, service, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. At Norfolk Southern, we’re proud to invest in the next generation of leaders through this program and support the families of our employees who keep our country moving every day. As these scholars take the next step in their educational journey, we're behind them 100 percent and look forward to seeing the impact they make." — Mark George, Norfolk Southern President and CEO
The three distinguished 2026 Thoroughbred Scholars are:
- STEM Scholar: Keegan Traxler, child of Larry Traxler of Altoona, Pennsylvania, attending Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
- HBCU Scholar: Justin Mathews, child of Jerry Mathews of Wilmington, Delaware, attending North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- Community Scholar: Lauren Leonetti, child of Ronald Leonetti of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, attending Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.
