Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Ten recent high school graduates from around the state and one from Central Tennessee are receiving Mississippi State's largest scholarships for the 2008-09 school year.
The latest class of the university's Distinguished Scholars includes Stanley E. Blackmon of Madison; Hanna Rachel Cardin and Emily C. Nations, both of Clinton; Spencer Hall of Tipplersville; Justin E. Huff of Ridgeland; Lorraine Lin of Vicksburg; Jenna L. Owen of Wiggins; Scott D. Penman of Jackson; Jamie S. Scott of Lucedale; Kristin S. Sharp of Long Beach; and Matthew R. "Matt" Woolfolk of Columbia, Tenn.
The scholars receive a total of nearly $50,000 each for the freshman-senior years of study.
"These scholarships are high honors and we congratulate the young men and women for their outstanding achievements in high school," said Interim President Vance Watson. "Mississippi State looks forward to welcoming them to the Bulldog family."
MSU fall semester classes begin Monday [Aug.18].
Specifically, the academic awards provide:
--$34,000 over four years, or $8,500 per year;
--Complimentary double-occupancy campus residence hall accommodations, currently valued at up to $17,000 over four years;
--A one-time, $1,500 educational enrichment scholarship for study abroad, internships or other qualified educational pursuits during a semester of choice after the freshman year; and
--An undergraduate research fellowship award, valued at $4,000 over two summers or $2,000 per summer.
The 11 new scholars join 29 others selected in previous years for the special recognition program.
Some brief facts about this year's MSU Distinguished Scholars class:
Stanley Blackmon is a Murrah High School graduate and the son of Stanley and Gloria Blackmon. He was the senior class salutatorian, STAR student, and a selection for National Merit and National Achievement scholarships. He also was a member of MHS's National Honor Society chapter, student council and "Hoofbeat," the student newspaper. Blackmon plans to major in biomedical engineering.
Hannah Rachel Cardin is a Clinton High School graduate and the daughter of Tommie and Susan Cardin. She was a national Robert Byrd Scholar and member of the National Honor Society chapter, student council and "Target," the student newspaper. Cardin plans to major in English.
Spencer Hall is a Falkner High School graduate and the son of John David and Cindy Hall. At FHS, he was senior class valedictorian, a National Merit Scholar and member of the National Honor Society chapter. Hall plans to major in aerospace engineering.
Justin Huff is the home-schooled son of Walter and Carol Huff. He has garnered numerous awards in competitive music and athletic events, including amateur talent shows at the local, state and regional levels. Huff plans to major in industrial engineering.
Lorraine Lin is a Warren Central High School graduate and the daughter of Drs. Lihwa and Lichu Lee Lin. At WCHS, she was a member of the National Honor Society chapter, Beta Club and the Big Blue band. Lin plans to major in electrical engineering.
Emily Nations is a Clinton High School graduate and the daughter of Ricky and Mary Lea Nations. At CHS, she was a member of the National Honor Society chapter and the student council. During her senior year, she was elected student body secretary. Nations plans to major in biomedical engineering.
Jenna Owen is a Stone High School graduate and the daughter of Terry and Inita Owen. At SHS, she was senior class valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society chapter and Beta Club. Owen plans to major in industrial engineering.
Scott Penman is a Jackson Academy graduate and the son of Allen and Ann Penman. At JA, he was named STAR Student and All-Star Senior, and was a member of the National Honor Society chapter and Cum Laude Society. He also is an Eagle Scout. Penman plans to major in architecture.
Jamie Scott is a George County High School graduate and the daughter of Rhett and Suzanne Scott. At GCHS, she consistently was listed in Who's Who among American High School Students and served as class secretary from the 10th-12th grades. She was named George County's Junior Miss and was elected student council president as a senior. Scott plans to major in biological sciences/pre-medicine.
Kristin Sharp is a Long Beach High School graduate and the daughter of Kirk and Donna Sharp. At LBHS, she consistently was listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students and the National Honor Society chapter. She was a four-year member of the Student Council and served as class president in the 10th-12th grades. Sharp plans to major in electrical engineering.
Matt Woolfolk is a Battle Ground Academy graduate and the son of John and Pat Woolfolk. At BGA, he was a member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society chapters. He also received the Harvard University Leadership Award for being a top student and leader of the junior class. Woolfolk plans to major in animal and dairy science/pre-veterinary medicine.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.