Students awarded James Cook Scholarships – Journal-Patriot
Eight seniors from Wilkes County high schools have been awarded the 2025 James Cook Memorial Scholarship, a recognition that celebrates sportsmanship, leadership, and putting team before self.
The scholarship was created in 2019 to honor the memory of James Cook, a beloved local businessman and coach. Cook co-owned Cook’s Inc. with his father and later his son, expanding the business to serve athletic teams and schools across western North Carolina.
Beyond the business, Cook spent many years coaching basketball at the YMCA, where he was passionate about seeing young athletes grow both on and off the court.
“Reflecting his values, the $1,000 scholarship is presented annually to one male and one female athlete from each of the county’s four high schools,” stated a press release.
“Recipients are chosen not only for their athletic success but also for their character, leadership, and dedication to their teams. With this year’s awards, 40 scholarships have been presented since the program began.”
Chosen from Wilkes Central High School were Chloe Cox and Chase Brown. Cox played volleyball and basketball and stood out as both a student and leader over her four years at Wilkes Central. Brown overcame multiple injuries during his high school football career, yet remained a steady leader for the team and school community.
Chosen from East Wilkes High School were Zoe Cheek and Phoenix Blackburn. Cheek was an all-conference athlete in both volleyball and softball. She earned conference player of the year honors in softball as a junior and played a key role in East Wilkes’ state championship team. Blackburn excelled as a three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and tennis. He earned all-conference recognition in all three sports this year and is known as a strong student, leader, and role model.
Chosen from North Wilkes High School were Jolie Wyatt and Braydon Scronce. Wyatt was a four-year member of the soccer and volleyball programs, while also contributing to basketball and track. She earned all-conference honors in soccer, served as a captain, and is active in numerous clubs and service opportunities. Scronce competed in football, wrestling, and track, playing a vital role on three straight conference championship wrestling teams. A state tournament qualifier, he is recognized for his relentless work ethic and leadership on and off the field.
Chosen from West Wilkes High School were Annalie Bell and Grayson Clonch. Bell was a four-year starter in volleyball and basketball. Despite missing much of her junior and senior seasons due to a knee injury, she continued to support her teams with perseverance and positivity. She is still considering her college plans. Clonch competed in football and track, starting three years in football while also qualifying for the state championships in shot put for three straight years. He plans to attend Wilkes Community College to pursue a nursing degree.
“This scholarship represents more than financial assistance,” said Mark Cook, who was James Cook’s son. “It honors the values James Cook cherished—sportsmanship, teamwork, and the growth of young people. These students embody those ideals, and we’re proud to celebrate them.”
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