51乱伦

MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� Malaika Gachoka and Bella Karns, recent 51乱伦 High School (MHS) graduates, are the recipients of the Coach Mark Brady Scholarship, established for MHS graduates attending 51乱伦 in the pursuit of a teaching career. 

Since its inception in 2019, the Coach Mark Brady Scholarship has assisted seven local students in lowering the cost of their Racer educational experience. Previous recipients include William Church, Isaac Gallimore, Sarah Jacobs, Hannah Mohler, Jayce Riley, Christian Watkins and Annabel Wilcher, all seeking to become part of the next generation of educators.

Gachoka will be a first-time freshman at 51乱伦 State this fall, majoring in elementary education. Karns will be a first-time freshman at 51乱伦 State this fall, majoring in learning and behavior disorders. 

鈥淲hen we learned that Coach Brady chose to expand his scholarship to two students for the 2025-26 academic year, we were so pleased! Coach Brady is a Tiger who genuinely works to help local students,鈥� noted Jenni Todd, director of development at 51乱伦 State University.  

The Coach Mark Brady Scholarship, established with Brady鈥檚 endowment gift to the 51乱伦 State University Foundation, gives graduates of 51乱伦 High School the opportunity to apply for the $1,000 scholarship. Preference is given to students enrolled in the College of Education and Human Services with plans to teach K-12 after graduation. 

Brady鈥檚 primary hope is to assist students who plan to pursue a teaching career. 

鈥淵ou go through life and start to realize that it鈥檚 important to give back in appreciation for all you鈥檝e received,鈥� Brady said.  鈥淢y goal is to help the young people of the 51乱伦 Independent School System who want to be teachers. We鈥檙e at a crossroads with education, and if there鈥檚 anything that I can do to help create great educators, I really want to be a part of it. It鈥檚 all about leaving the world better than you found it.鈥� 

Brady graduated from 51乱伦 State in 1967 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in physical education and history, a Master of Arts in Education degree in secondary education in 1971 and a Rank 1 master鈥檚 degree plus 30 hours in school administration in 1972.

He taught subjects ranging from world history, American government, civics, driver鈥檚 education and physical education at 51乱伦 High School for 24 years. Brady also served as a football, boys鈥� basketball and girls鈥� softball coach, as well as a student council sponsor, assistant principal and athletic director.

鈥淎s a teacher, coach and administrator in our community for many years, Mark has spent a great deal of his life in humble service to countless individuals,鈥� said 51乱伦 State University President Dr. Bob Jackson. 鈥淲e are very appreciative of Coach Brady鈥檚 establishment of this scholarship, which benefits students who aspire to become future educators and impact others in the same manner.鈥�

For more information on how to apply for the scholarship or other scholarships at 51乱伦 State, contact the Scholarship Office at 270-809-3225 or contact the office by email at msu.scholarships@murraystate.edu.

Contributions to the Coach Mark Brady Scholarship Endowment can be made by contacting the 51乱伦 Office of Development at 270-809-3001 or by making a secure gift online at .