Newcastle’s Bryanna Nickel named OSU Scholar of Significance

Bryanna Caroline Nickel, former Graham resident and 2020 Valedictorian of Newcastle High School, was recently named a “Senior of Significance” at Oklahoma State University. This prestigious award is given to the top 1% of the graduating class, based on academic achievements, character and personal impact on others. Nickel credits Ross Mcknight, of Throckmorton, Texas, for a significant portion of her personal success at OSU. Nickel explains, “Mr. Mcknight’s generous gifts to OSU allowed for the establishment of the Mcknight Leadership Institute. When I arrived at OSU, I had been named as a ‘Mcknight Scholar,’ and this provided me with an out-of-state tuition waiver, scholarships, leadership seminars, the ability to mentor others, life-long friendships, and two study abroad tripsone to five countries in Europe and the other to Zimbabwe.” The McKnight Scholars Leadership Program “identifies, equips and empowers young out-of-state scholars to become life-giving leaders” (Mcknight Leadership Institute).

Nickel will graduate in May with a degree in Strategic Communications with minors in Campaigns and Lobbying as well as Political Science. She plans to attend law school and work in international business law. Nickel is the daughter of Dr. Tony and Jina Nickel.