CHS Senior Named Cooke College Scholar Semifinalist and Governor's Volunteer Award Recipient

Hannah Ho, a senior at Central High School, was named a 2025 Jack Kent Cooke College Scholar Semifinalist.

This year's semifinalists were selected from more than 7000 applicants from all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and Virgin Islands, and represented more than 4,200 different high schools. A complete list of the semifinalists can be found here.

“These students have shown remarkable dedication to their academic pursuits, and we’re honored to recognize their achievements as we continue our mission of making college accessible to exceptional students with financial need,” said Seppy Basili, Executive Director of the Cooke Foundation.

Cooke College Scholars are selected based on exceptional academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, leadership, and service to others. Finalists will be announced in late March.

Along with the Cooke College honor, Ho was recently named a recipient of the 41st Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards, Texas' highest distinction for volunteers.

She was nominated for the First Lady's Rising Star Award by CHS Counselor Emily Gentry for her "tremendous dedication, perseverance, and the significant impact she's made on Texas communities in 2024." Ho will be honored alongside several outstanding recipients during National Volunteer Month in April 2025 at the Governor’s Mansion during an awards ceremony hosted by First Lady Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards.

Congratulations on these outstanding achievements, Hannah, and best of luck!

About The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded almost $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising, career pathway counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.

About OneStar and the Governor's Volunteer Awards
Administered by the OneStar Foundation, the Governor's Volunteer Awards are an opportunity to honor the exemplary service and volunteerism of individuals and organizations making a significant impact in communities across Texas. There are countless examples of how volunteering can transform lives and communities in Texas, and the Governor’s Volunteer Awards shine a spotlight on these inspiring stories while offering statewide recognition to the diverse ways that Texans are giving back with their time and talents.