BRANSON, MO (December 4, 2025) – Branson High School is proud to announce that senior Hanah Barnes has been selected as a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship recipient, one of the nation’s most competitive full-ride scholarship programs. Through this remarkable achievement, Hanah has matched with Yale University, where she will enroll in Fall 2026.

This year, out of more than 25,000 applicants, 7,000 were named finalists and only 2,550 students earned a Match scholarship.

“I received a notification to check for a status update on my application that morning,” Hanah shared. “Yale was my first choice, so I was extremely ecstatic when I found out! I have wanted to go there since I was ten years old.”

Hanah previously received the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Award as a junior, which inspired her to pursue the National College Match. At Yale, Hanah intends to study political science, economics, and Spanish. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend law school to become a prosecutor, with aspirations of eventually serving as a government representative.

Hanah also expressed deep gratitude for the educators who shaped her high school experience. “My favorite part of my experience at Branson High School has been my teachers,” she said. “They are all so amazing, and some of them have helped me so much in school and life.”

Branson High School Principal, Dr. Sara Strohm, praised Hanah’s achievement and the dedication behind it. “Hanah’s accomplishment is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and determination,” said Dr. Strohm. “Earning a QuestBridge Match Scholarship is an extraordinary achievement, and we are incredibly proud of her. Hanah represents Branson High School extremely well, and we cannot wait to see the impact she will make at Yale and in her future career.”

The QuestBridge National College Match has successfully connected over 19,000 students with full scholarships at some of the nation’s best colleges. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and meals, books and supplies, and travel expenses.

The above press release is from Branson Public Schools.