Contact: Sammy McDavid
Seven high school seniors from Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee are receiving the largest scholastic awards offered by Mississippi State University.
The $28,000 Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarships are announced each spring. They cover the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, and books during four years of study.
Chosen by a special committee, the 1998 Schillig Scholars include: Ana M. Bertasi of Germantown, Tenn., and Germantown High School; Mary Ellen Brown of DeKalb and Kemper Academy; Sebron W. Harrison of Prentiss and Prentiss Christian School; Natalie R. Jones of Jackson and Jackson Academy; Cooper R. Long of Belden and Tupelo High School; Keva J. Martin of Northport, Ala., and Tuscaloosa County High School; and Michael D. Suttlar II of Yazoo City and Yazoo City High School.
"Their achievements in the classroom and in various leadership activities brought them this honor," said Donald Zacharias, MSU president emeritus and committee chair. "We are confident that they will contribute to the university and continue their academic and leadership development in an outstanding manner."
First made available in 1987, the leadership awards were established through a major endowment by the private Schillig Trust of Port Gibson. Of 12 Schillig Scholars currently taking classes on the Starkville campus, two will graduate in May.
Among nearly 450 who applied this year for the scholarships, the seven new members will be recognized formally April 19 at a campus luncheon preceding annual Scholarship Recognition Day activities.
Schillig Scholars participate in a variety of special campus activities and meet regularly with leaders in education, industry, government, and business. They also are expected to be active in student organizations and programs.