SSCC awards the NCB Student Excellence Scholarship to six students
By Elizabeth Burkard
Director of Marketing
Southern State Community College
National Cooperative Bank (NCB) and the Southern State Community College Foundation have announced Hunter Davidson, BrenLeigh Dykes, Jacob Jones, Jaxson Knisley, Angela Sheppard, and Jagger Smith as recipients of the NCB Student Excellence Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The NCB Student Excellence Scholarship is awarded to deserving students attending Southern State Community College, with preference given to those majoring in Accounting, Business, or Computer Technology. The fund was established to demonstrate NCB’s commitment to expanding learning and building a qualified and competitive workforce in the southern Ohio region.
A 2024 graduate of Hillsboro High School, Hunter Davidson is majoring in Accounting, with the long-term goal of working in wealth management.
BrenLeigh Dykes graduated from Fairfield High School in 2025 and is majoring in Business Management. Her career goal is to grow from her current position into a leadership role in human resources within Unbound Living Incorporated, helping expand services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Ohio, and ultimately launching her own disability services agency with her family and partners.
Jacob Jones, a 2017 graduate of the Laurel Oaks Development Center, is majoring in Computer Technology. After completing his Associate of Applied Science, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related field.
Jagger Smith graduated in 2020 and is majoring in Computer Technology. His goal is to pursue a job in the IT industry.
A 2026 graduate of Hillsboro Christian Academy, Jaxson Knisley is majoring in Business Management, with plans to be a farrier and help a local vet in the community, while also exploring additional opportunities in the equine industry.
Angela Sheppard graduated from high school in 2005 and is majoring in accounting. Sheppard received a Practical Nursing certificate from Southern State in 2021 and is currently working as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She hopes to combine the two fields and work as a nurse auditor for a hospital, an insurance agency, or acquire a government job in auditing.
"NCB is honored to award this scholarship to these outstanding students as part of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting our community,” said Michelle Ward, Human Resources Manager. “It was a pleasure meeting Hunter, BrenLeigh, Jacob, and Jagger. We look forward to seeing all of the recipients pursue their goals and make meaningful contributions to our community.”
SSCC President Dr. Nicole Roades added, "On behalf of Southern State Community College, I extend my sincere congratulations to this year's NCB Student Excellence Scholarship recipients. These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their academic goals, personal growth, and future aspirations. We are deeply grateful to our friends at NCB for their continued investment in our students and our communities. Their generosity helps create opportunities that transform lives and strengthen the workforce of tomorrow."
To learn more about SSCC Foundation scholarship opportunities, please visit www.sscc.edu/financialaid/scholarships.shtml. For more information on the stewardship role of the SSCC Foundation, please visit www.sscc.edu/about/foundation.shtml.
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