Originally from Alabama, Baker chose MGCCC for its strong nursing pathway and supportive environment. “I wanted a school where I could start building real healthcare experience while staying connected to my community,” he said. That decision has already set him on a path toward a meaningful career in healthcare.
Baker is currently enrolled in the pre-associate degree nursing pathway, a choice driven by his passion for helping others. “I’ve always been drawn to caring for people and working in a field where I can make a direct impact,” he said. His long-term goal is to become a registered nurse and eventually specialize in an area where he can play an active role in patient care and recovery.
Receiving the Michael W. Stewart Memorial Scholarship has been both an honor and a source of motivation. Awarded annually to a different MGCCC cheerleader who demonstrates a high degree of school spirit, the scholarship reflects Baker’s commitment to both his academic and extracurricular pursuits. “It means a great deal to me,” he said. “It represents recognition of my hard work and dedication, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward.”
The MGCCC Foundation scholarship will also help ease the financial burden of college, allowing Baker to stay focused on his studies, clinical preparation, and campus involvement. He expressed deep gratitude to the donors and the Stewart family. “Their support not only helps financially but also encourages us to keep striving toward our goals and honoring the legacy behind the scholarship,” he said.
Baker’s experience at MGCCC has been shaped by both academic challenges and meaningful support from faculty and staff. “I’ve been challenged academically but also supported by instructors who genuinely want students to succeed,” he said. Their mentorship has helped him grow in confidence, discipline, and determination.
Beyond the classroom, Baker is a member of the Bulldogs Cheer Team at the Perkinston Campus, where he channels his enthusiasm and love for teamwork into building school spirit. “Cheerleading has given me a way to stay involved, represent my campus and the college, and build strong connections with others,” he said.
His role as a cheerleader has played a significant part in his personal growth. Through the demands of balancing athletics and academics, Baker has developed strong time management skills and a deeper sense of responsibility. “It has taught me discipline, teamwork, and confidence,” he said.
One of his favorite aspects of cheering is the sense of unity it brings. “Being part of something that brings school spirit to life during games and events is my favorite part,” he said. That energy and connection reflect the very qualities the scholarship seeks to honor.
Baker’s experience is unique in that he is connected to both the Perkinston and Jackson County campuses, giving him the opportunity to interact with a wide range of students and environments. “It’s helped me become more adaptable, confident, and better at communicating with different groups of people,” he said.
Like many students, Baker has faced challenges in balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities. He credits organization, focus, and a willingness to seek help when needed for helping him stay on track.
Motivated by his goal of becoming a nurse and a desire to make his family proud, Baker continues to push forward with determination. He points to his family and mentors at MGCCC as his greatest sources of support, encouraging him through every step of his journey.
For incoming students, Baker offers simple but valuable advice: “Stay focused, ask questions, and take advantage of every opportunity. It goes by faster than you think, and getting involved early makes a big difference.”
Through his dedication to his studies, his leadership on the cheer team and his commitment to serving others, Brayden Baker represents not only the very best of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College but the lasting impact of the Michael W. Stewart Memorial Scholarship.
