Congratualtions to our 2026 Scholarship WInners!
Meet our 2026 scholarship winners
May 20, 2026
Congratulations to our 2026 scholarships to high school seniors from Brandon Valley!
Each of this year’s winners received $500 toward their continuing education. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements in addition to completing a short essay question.
Applicants must be a graduating Brandon Valley High School senior with a record of volunteerism in the community, in non-school sponsored activities, and/or participation in extracurricular school activities. Applicants must enclose a summary of their high school honors, school activities and community activities.
Applicants must plan to attend an accredited post-high school college, university, vocational or technical school, community college or junior college on a full time basis.
Scholarship recipients were selected based on a combination of academics/honors, community/school involvement, and the completion of a short essay “What do you believe is the importance of Buy Brandon/buying locally?” Hear what our winners had to say.
Sophia Menden – Brandon Valley High School
University of Missouri-KC Accounting
When I hear “Buy Brandon” now, I don’t think about a campaign. I think about the routines, the places, and the people that have made this community feel like home. It’s not just about supporting businesses. It’s about choosing to invest in something that keeps investing in you.
Ryley McKeown– Brandon Valley High School
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Medicine
Perhaps the most important reason to “Buy Brandon” is because it’s how we stick together as a community. We support each other. Even high school kids like me can be part of it. We take our dates to the local restaurants, collect for the food pantry, and volunteer to pick up litter in the park. We run the livestream video at church, shovel the neighbor’s walk, and buy gas up the street. We perform at the nursing home, march in the Loyalty Day Parade, and sing the National Anthem at events. We’re part of something bigger than ourselves-and that’s what makes Brandon a community. That’s what “Buy Brandon” means to me. Buy into Brandon- because Brandon has bought into you.
Kadance Coughlin – Brandon Valley High School
South Dakota State University Nursing
This topic is near and dear to my heart. As the daughter of someone who owns a local business, I know how important it is to buy locally instead of spending money at big box stores or online. When you buy local, you’re not only supporting your town with your tax dollars, but you’re also supporting someone’s family so they can make a living. People who come to support a small business are more than just a number, they become friends and are welcomed like family when they come to get what they need. It’s a special experience to have someone know and say your name when you walk into a business and that’s not something you will get from big companies who don’t know who you are. I was fortunate enough to grow up with this environment and am proud to be a part of our family legacy by working in and supporting the Brandon Community and our family business.
Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship winners!
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the students who submitted an application this year. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to continuing your education are truly inspiring. We are proud of each of you and excited to see all the amazing things your future holds!
Congratulations to Sophia, Ryley, and Kadance. Best of luck to you!
