PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University President V. Lane Rawlins announced today that 468 Washington high-achieving juniors have been nominated for the university’s Regents Scholarship Program. The three-year-old program provides more than $3 million in scholarship awards to those nominees who choose to attend WSU.
“This program aims to recognize outstanding students and keep them in the state of Washington for their college education,” President Rawlins said. “By acknowledging their accomplishments and offering them opportunities for significant support toward their education at WSU, we want to signify how important they are to our state’s future.”
Nominated students will be evaluated by the Regents Scholarship Selection Committee and will compete for three separate award levels. Twenty-five Distinguished Scholars will be offered four-year scholarships valued at more than $45,000. Some 75 students will be offered Silver level scholarships worth $4,000, renewable for a second year, and 400 students will receive Crimson level scholarships worth $3,000, renewable for a second year.
Each Washington high school principal was given the opportunity to nominate up to two students from the school’s 2004 graduating class. More than 250 high school administrators nominated students. The grade point average for the class is 3.94, and nominees include student body presidents and senators, National Honor Society members, musicians, varsity athletes and community volunteers.
“Our scholars will have many opportunities for leadership roles while at the university,” the WSU president said. “Our supportive and empowering community will help these students prepare for a career and achieve their goals.”
By Oct. 15, the selection committee will choose the 75 students who will receive the $4,000 awards. By Dec. 1, the 25 Regents Scholars will be notified. Each of the Regents Scholars’ high schools will receive a plaque recognizing the school’s contributions to the young scholars’ education.
“We are thrilled that the ongoing generosity of our alumni and friends enables us to continue to offer opportunities such as this scholarship program to students in the state of Washington,” Rawlins said.
