Scholarship Recipients​

2020

Martha J. Branch Scholarship

Yasmean Fogle

I am honored to be the recipient of the Martha J. Branch scholarship. I am going into my 4th year of college to obtain my Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science. Whenever you’re enrolled in college, you realize any amount of money you receive will go  a long way. I’ve realized throughout the years I’ve become more thankful for those who’ve contributed to my success throughout school. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to receive a higher education which will enable me to follow my dreams. 

Nola Cook Scholarship

Christopher Jones

This scholarship is beneficial to me because it will help me pay for necessary supplies such as textbooks and software. Also, it will give me the necessary time to focus on my studies and community involvement instead of financial troubles. Most importantly, this scholarship hasgiven me the confidence to apply to other scholarships in the future.

2021

Martha J. Branch Scholarship

Ariel Ringo

I am beyond grateful and humbled to be a recipient of the 2021 Martha Branch Scholarship. As a Public Health major, I've been blessed with the opportunity to study a subject that I've had a long passion for, health & health equity. This scholarship will not only assist me in succeeding but excelling in my courses, allowing me to continue my higher education journey. I would like to thank both the donors and the Branch Family for granting me this amazing opportunity as these funds will be allocated towards textbooks, education programs, and other supplies for school. I will continue to work hard and thank you again for your consideration!

Nola Cook Scholarship

Imani Bryant

Thank you so much, I am honored to be awarded for the Nola Cook Scholarship. This scholarship will help as I continue to pursue a career in dentistry. Upon completion of my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend dental school and I would like to provide oral healthcare to my community and educate the younger generation on the importance of oral healthcare. Being able to give back to my community is very important to me and this scholarship will allow me to have the ability to continue to focus and work hard in school, so I can achieve my goals. I appreciate you guys for selecting me for this award and believing in me.

2022

Martha J. Branch Scholarship

Raven Barleston

I am so grateful and honored to be the recipient of the Martha J. Branch Scholarship. I am in my last year of my second bachelors degree, in Dietetics.  I was eager to apply for this scholarship because I am passionate about health, fitness, and health equity. This scholarship will assist me in becoming more successful in higher education, excel in challenging courses, and support my career path as a future Registered Dietitian. I am confident that this scholarship will contribute to my success. I would like to thank the donors for this award and considering my application!​

Nola Cook Scholarship

Laksita Prasanna

I am honored to have been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Nola Cook scholarship. This fall semester of 2022 I will start my journey in pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Engineering along with a minor in Psychology. This scholarship will give me the peace of mind that I need to focus on my studies and build my resume without worrying about expenses. In addition, being selected for this scholarship has boosted my self-confidence. With this confidence, I will begin my undergraduate studies on the right foot. I will continue to work hard and give back to the community. 

2023

Martha J. Branch Scholarship

Nadia Shobe

I want to begin by expressing that I am very grateful for the Martha Branch scholarship , and the impact it will have on my life. I’m truly grateful because it means that there is someone outside of myself & my family that believes in what I do and what I will do with my future. This scholarship will fund more than just a piece of my education, it will encourage my passion to serve the community. I am beyond grateful & I am truly blessed to start my career early as an athletic trainer student aide for the football teams at Western Kentucky University. 

Nola Cook Scholarship

John Staton

Thank you so much, I am honored to be awarded the Nola Cook Scholarship. This scholarship will help as I continue to pursue a career in oncology. Upon completion of my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend medical school and I would like to provide cancer based healthcare to my community and educate the younger generation on the importance of cancer prevention and healthcare equality. Being able to give back to my community is very important to me and this scholarship will allow me to have the ability to continue to focus and work hard in school, so I can achieve my goals. I appreciate you guys for selecting me for this award and believing in me.

2024

Martha J. Branch Scholarship

Nadia Shobe

Receiving the Martha J. Branch Scholarship has been an incredible blessing in my academic journey. This scholarship not only alleviated financial burdens but also affirmed my dedication to education and commitment to excellence. It has truly empowered me to reach for higher goals and has inspired me to give back to my community in the future. I'm also incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside the football team at WKU. This experience has solidified my passion for sports medicine and my aspiration to become a future athletic trainer. The Martha J Branch Scholarship has not only supported my academic endeavors but has also enriched my practical learning experiences.

Nola Cook Scholarship

Hassan Osman

Receiving the Nola Cook Scholarship has been a transformative experience for me. As a first-generation college student from a refugee camp background, the journey to pursue a Computer Science degree at the University of Louisville has been fraught with challenges. This scholarship has significantly alleviated some of the financial burdens that have hindered my academic progress. It has empowered me to focus more on my studies and projects, especially by helping with the cost of textbooks and other academic resources. I am now able to immerse myself more deeply in my passion for software engineering and aim to contribute back to the community that has supported me. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity, which has brought me closer to achieving my dreams and serving as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.

2025

Martha J. Branch Scholarship

Sinceer Ellison

Being able to receive the Martha J. Branch Scholarship is a blessing and honor. This scholarship will impact my academic future and pursing my goals of becoming an Athletic Trainer. Also, aiding me finically in order to become the best version of myself that I can. While applying for the scholarship I was able to express myself to the fullest. Not only that, but being able to explain my athletic background, accolades, and reasoning as to why this scholarship was so important to me. I am above and beyond grateful to receive the Martha J Branch scholarship which has brought me one step closer to achieving my dreams, giving back to my loved and community, and presenting myself in a positive image for those who may face a similar situation as I have. 

Nola Cook Scholarship

Jimmy McCamey III

I am deeply honored and grateful to be the recipient of the Nola Cook Scholarship. This generous support has significantly alleviated a financial burden and will directly contribute to helping me complete my degree at Bellarmine University. Receiving this scholarship has not only provided financial relief, but it has also inspired me to keep striving toward my goals with determination and resilience. I am now able to focus more fully on my studies, knowing that I have the support and encouragement of others who believe in my potential. Thank you for investing in my future. Your generosity is making a real difference in my academic journey.

2026

Martha J. Branch Scholarship

Isabella Gorney

Nola Cook Scholarship

Faith Lanham

I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive the Martha J. Branch Scholarship. This scholarship is more than financial support—it is an investment in my future. As I begin the next four years of college studying Exercise Physiology with the goal of becoming a physical therapist, this award will help ease the financial burden of tuition, books, and other educational expenses. It allows me to focus more on my education, gain valuable experiences, and continue working toward my dream of helping others improve their health and quality of life. Thank you for believing in me and supporting my journey.

​I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for being selected as a recipient of the Nola Cook Scholarship. I am truly honored to receive this award, and I am grateful for your commitment to supporting students who are underrepresented in STEM fields.
I am particularly appreciative that this scholarship recognizes the importance of expanding opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds. 
Thank you once again for your generosity and for investing in my future.