Vivian Bunch, Tiphanie Deitz, Malley Knight, Holly McBride and Kimberly-Mae Stroman received 2026 Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Scholarships to pursue degrees in the field. Recipients agree to work within the Nation for the scholarship’s duration or at least one year.
The scholarship is supported by a permanent $5 million endowment established through the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act, proposed by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. Hoskin said the act was fueled by the Nation’s $100 million opioid settlement.
Cherokee Nation Foundation Executive Director Janice Randall said the scholarships are popular and competitive, and are designed to help Cherokee students meet their educational goals while creating a path to employment near home.
