Edmonson Co. HS Senior Awarded WKU's Prestigious Cherry Presidential Scholarship

Brayden Johnson among 16 high school students selected for the $64,000 scholarship

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Western Kentucky University has announced the recipients of the 2026-2027 Cherry Presidential Scholarship, and Edmonson County High School senior Brayden Johnson is one of the 16 students selected to receive the prestigious $64,000 award.

Why it matters

The Cherry Presidential Scholarship is WKU's most competitive and prestigious scholarship, requiring a minimum 3.8 unweighted GPA and 30 ACT (1360 SAT) score. Winning this scholarship will provide Johnson with full tuition, room and board, and other benefits to pursue his studies in Biology at WKU's Ogden College of Science & Engineering.

The details

Johnson, who was also named a National Coca Cola Semi-Finalist Scholar and National Merit Semi-Finalist, was selected alongside 15 other high-achieving high school seniors from across Kentucky and Tennessee. The other recipients plan to study a variety of majors at WKU, including Biology, Broadcasting, Civil Engineering, Interior Design, Visual Journalism, Exercise Science, Data Science, Organizational Leadership, and Nursing.

  • WKU announced the 2026-2027 Cherry Presidential Scholarship recipients on February 17, 2026.

The players

Brayden Johnson

A senior at Edmonson County High School who plans to major in Biology at WKU's Ogden College of Science & Engineering.

Western Kentucky University

A public university located in Bowling Green, Kentucky that awarded the prestigious Cherry Presidential Scholarship to 16 high-achieving high school seniors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

Winning the Cherry Presidential Scholarship is a remarkable achievement that will provide Brayden Johnson and the other recipients with the resources and support to pursue their academic passions at WKU. This recognition highlights the high caliber of students in the region and the university's commitment to attracting top talent.