The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for high-achieving high school seniors. It provides a life-changing opportunity for students with significant financial need to attend and graduate from the nation’s best colleges and universities. This highly competitive scholarship offers up to $55,000 per year, covering tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees, allowing recipients to pursue their academic and professional goals with minimal debt. Celebrating it's 25th anniversary, the foundation awarded 70 college scholarships.
We are proud to spotlight Hannah Truong and Jennyfer Estrada, two exceptional students from YES Prep who have earned this prestigious award. Their stories reflect their hard work, resilience, and determination.
Hannah Truong – Southeast Secondary
Hannah Truong has excelled throughout her academic career, maintaining a rigorous schedule that included AP courses and leadership roles. Her passion for learning and commitment to personal growth have made her one of YES Prep’s standout students.
As the recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship, Hannah will attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she plans to major in Economics and Computer Science. With aspirations of becoming a data scientist or AI engineer, this scholarship will allow her to pursue her academic and career goals.
Student Reflection
Hannah recalls her reaction when she found out she was selected as a Cooke Scholar: “On March 31st, I saw a new notification appear in my email at 12:31 P.M. I screamed 'I’M A COOKE SCHOLAR' in the silent classroom and started to shake, rereading the email in disbelief. I didn't know who to tell first, but the first person I ran to was Ms. Guidry. I ran through the hallway and into my counselor's arms after a week's worth of anticipation. I will never forget the comfort of her arms and celebratory words when I realized my hard work had finally paid off.”
Motivation and Preparation
Hannah wanted to be part of a community of like-minded, ambitious individuals, which is what motivated her to apply for the Cooke Scholarship. She shares, “I love being surrounded by passion-driven people, and I knew if I became a Cooke Scholar, I would be a part of a long-standing community of ambitious leaders. At the 2025 Scholars Weekend, I hope to find like-minded individuals and form long-lasting friendships.”
Challenges and Growth
In preparing her application, Hannah reflected on her personal values and life experiences to ensure her story came through authentically. Her high school journey has not been without challenges. Reflecting on her experiences, she says, “As junior year progressed, my personal and family responsibilities were piling up, causing my priorities to shift. I lost sight of who I was and became overwhelmed with the thought of college applications approaching. After experiencing the highs and lows of senior year, I learned to cherish every success, no matter how big or small. Receiving the Cooke Scholarship was especially meaningful because I realized every battle I faced was worth enduring for this moment of pure joy.”
Support at YES Prep
Hannah credits her AP English Literature and AP Research teacher, Ms. Rangel, for her success. She describes Ms. Rangel’s impact, saying, “Ms. Rangel has played a significant role in my success. Her rigorous teaching style and witty personality are unmatched. She has allowed me to break out of my shell and contributed tremendously to the growth of my writing. Post graduation, I will always remember there is always room for improvement regardless of ‘perfect scores.’ Without Ms. Rangel, I highly doubt I would have made it this far.”
Advice for Future Applicants
Hannah encourages students to be authentic in their applications, saying, “I STRONGLY encourage you to apply! While writing your essays, ensure you are honest about your story. Another tip is to ask for feedback on your resume and essays from your teachers, college counselor, and people you know best—they can ensure that your application showcases your best self. Lastly, dedicate time for essay revisions and do not neglect the activities section!”
A Counselor’s Perspective
Ms. Guidry, Hannah’s college counselor, shares her admiration for Hannah’s journey:
"Hannah is exceptional in everything she does. She is creative, resilient, and one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Her application stood out because it was filled with honesty, transparency, and—like all her essays—she was unafraid to live in the fullness of her truth."
Ms. Guidry also reflects on the significance of this achievement for the campus: “Hannah is my first advisee ever to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. We are beyond proud of her, and we make sure to tell her every day how proud we are.”
Jennyfer Estrada - Brays Oaks Secondary
Jennyfer Estrada’s academic journey has been marked by her strong academic performance and commitment to excellence. Known for her hard work and dedication, Jennyfer has continually gone above and beyond in her studies, positioning herself as a standout student at YES Prep. With the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship, Jennyfer will pursue her educational goals at Bryn Mawr College through the Accelerated Degree Program. She plans to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemistry. This scholarship has alleviated the financial burden that might have prevented her from focusing fully on her academics and career aspirations.
Student Reflection
Jennyfer shares her reaction to being selected for the scholarship: “I was mostly shocked. I was checking my email late at night and just saw confetti. I feel very proud that I was able to earn another scholarship and completely fund my college education.”
Motivation and Preparation
Jennyfer credits her teachers for motivating her to apply for the Cooke Scholarship. She recalls, “My teachers kept encouraging us to apply for scholarships, and I kept seeing the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship reappear in senior seminar. That inspired me to apply.”
In preparing her application, Jennyfer reflected on her experiences and ensured her essays authentically represented her journey and aspirations.
Challenges and Growth
Jennyfer reflects on the personal challenges she overcame during her high school years, saying, “It was very stressful to manage college applications and ensure I was performing well in all my classes. It's more meaningful that I sacrificed and worked hard, and my hard work paid off.”
Support at YES Prep
Jennyfer credits Ms. Lapen, her counselor, for helping with her emotional development and overcoming her shyness. She shares, “Ms. Lapen has helped with my emotional development and breakthrough some of my shyness. Being able to explore myself was one thing that helped strengthen my essays.”
Additionally, Mr. Fitz and Mr. Hunt played an important role in her academic success by pushing her to excel and providing extensive practice.
Advice for Future Applicants
Jennyfer offers the following advice for students interested in applying for the Cooke Scholarship: “Always try for an opportunity even if you think it is out of reach. Anything is possible. Don’t underestimate yourself.”
A Counselor’s Perspective
Ms. Hernandez, Jennyfer’s college counselor, shares her thoughts on Jennyfer’s remarkable achievement:
"Jenny has always been a strong academic student. She is invested in her education and will always go above and beyond to display excellence. To see her earn this national recognition is truly an honor, and I am proud to have been a part of her journey. This achievement highlights the talent within our community and serves as inspiration for others."
Ms. Hernandez also emphasizes the importance of timing and preparation: “Timing and preparation are crucial when applying for scholarships. Jenny was proactive and diligent in her application process, which is a key factor in her success.”
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Both Hannah Truong and Jennyfer Estrada have demonstrated what it means to embody excellence, hard work, and resilience. Their accomplishments are a direct reflection of the high standards set by YES Prep, and we are beyond proud of their achievements. As they embark on the next phase of their academic journeys, we are excited to see them continue to thrive and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.