Grace Easterling Named Semifinalist for Prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship

Grace Easterling, a senior at Hope Collegiate Academy, has been named a semifinalist for the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship, placing her among just eight students from Arkansas to earn the distinction this year.

Arkansas Statewide and National Recognition

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced that 568 high school seniors nationwide were selected as semifinalists from more than 6,000 applicants representing over 4,100 high schools across all 50 states and several US territories. The scholarship is widely regarded as one of the most selective and generous college awards in the country.

Academic Excellence at Hope Collegiate Academy

Easterling’s recognition reflects years of academic achievement and dedication. Officials with the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana’s (UAHT) Secondary Programs praised her accomplishments, noting that her success highlights the strong academic preparation provided through Hope Collegiate Academy and the Hope School District.

Hope Collegiate Academy Director Heather Flowers said Easterling’s journey, having attended HPSD since first grade and the collegiate academy since 10th grade, is a clear example of what students can achieve when given rigorous academic opportunities and strong support.

About the Cooke College Scholarship

The Cooke College Scholarship offers last-dollar funding of up to $55,000 per year to help students earn a bachelor’s degree with minimal student debt. In addition to financial support, recipients receive college planning assistance, ongoing advising, and access to a nationwide network of Cooke Scholars.

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Final scholarship recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, leadership, persistence, service, and demonstrated financial need.

Good luck, Grace. We're all rooting for you.

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