A Hope Collegiate Academy senior has been selected as a semifinalist for one of the nation’s most competitive college scholarships.
Grace Easterling is among 568 high school seniors nationwide — and just eight from Arkansas — named semifinalists for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s College Scholarship Program. The Foundation received more than 6,000 applications from students across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
“Each of these semifinalists has demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement,” said Natalie Rodriguez Jansorn, Vice President of Scholarship Programs at the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We are continually inspired by the ambition and talents of the many students who apply for the Foundation’s college scholarship, and we are so pleased to recognize them as they prepare to take the next big step in their education.”
The Cooke College Scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year for students to pursue a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution. The award also includes college planning support, ongoing advising, and networking opportunities.
Dr. Mikki Curtis, UAHT Dean of Secondary Programs, praised Easterling’s achievement. “Her recognition as a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation semifinalist reflects her hard work and the high level of academic preparation and dedication that UAHT and HPSD strive to provide every student in our collegiate academy,” Curtis said.
Easterling has attended Hope Public School District since first grade and has been enrolled at Hope Collegiate Academy since tenth grade. The academy is a partnership between Hope Public School District and the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree.
Scholars are selected based on academic ability and achievement, persistence, leadership, service to others, and financial need.