Staunton Student Earns Top SIUE Scholarship

Brandon Cook receives prestigious Meridian Scholarship for academic excellence and leadership potential.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Brandon Cook, a student from Staunton, Illinois, has been awarded the Meridian Scholarship, the highest academic honor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). The Meridian Scholarship provides full tuition, fees, housing, and a meal plan for eight undergraduate semesters, as well as automatic admission to SIUE's Honors Program.

Why it matters

The Meridian Scholarship is highly competitive, recognizing students with exceptional academic achievements, leadership experience, and civic engagement. Earning this prestigious award highlights Brandon's potential for future impact and demonstrates SIUE's commitment to attracting top talent.

The details

The Meridian Scholarship is open to incoming SIUE students with a minimum 3.5 GPA. It covers the full cost of tuition, required student fees, course-related fees, on-campus housing, and a traditional meal plan. Recipients also receive automatic admission to SIUE's John Martinson Honors Program.

  • Brandon Cook was awarded the Meridian Scholarship in February 2026.

The players

Brandon Cook

A student from Staunton, Illinois who has been awarded the prestigious Meridian Scholarship at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)

A public university located in Edwardsville, Illinois that offers the Meridian Scholarship as its highest academic honor.

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The takeaway

Brandon Cook's Meridian Scholarship demonstrates the academic excellence and leadership potential of students from Staunton and the surrounding region. This award highlights SIUE's ability to attract top talent and invest in the future leaders of Illinois and beyond.