North Gwinnett News

Graduating seniors Allen Garcia from Berkmar High School, Daniel Pham from Parkview High School, Sophia Ahn from Seckinger High School, and Nashra Khan from Shiloh High School have been recognized as 2024 Cooke College Scholars by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. This scholarship supports students with outstanding academic ability, leadership skills, and persistence in attending top universities while avoiding student debt.

Cooke College Scholars receive up to $55,000 annually for a bachelor's degree at any accredited undergraduate institution in the United States. They also benefit from ongoing academic coaching and advising, graduate school and career guidance, and access to a network of peers within the Cooke Scholar community. Additionally, they are offered opportunities for internships and study abroad and can apply for graduate school funding.

"On behalf of Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), I extend heartfelt congratulations to Allen, Daniel, Sophia, and Nashra for being awarded the prestigious Cooke College Scholarship," GCPS Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts stated. "Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we are incredibly proud of them. As they embark on their higher education journey, I have no doubt they will continue to excel and make significant contributions to their chosen field."

The GCPS students are part of a select group of 118 graduating high school students this year who received the scholarship. This includes 58 Cooke Young Scholars representing 34 states and Washington D.C. Applicants came from all 50 states as well as Washington D.C., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico—over 3,800 different high schools in total applied. The Foundation evaluated each submission based on academic ability, persistence, leadership qualities, and financial need.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is committed to advancing education for promising students with financial needs. Since its inception in 2000, it has awarded nearly $282 million in scholarships to over 3,300 students ranging from eighth grade through graduate school alongside comprehensive educational advising services. It has also granted $133 million to organizations that support such students.