278 Regents Scholars nominated for fall 2006

PULLMAN — Washington State University President V. Lane Rawlins announced today that 278 high-ability students from the state of Washington have been nominated to receive a Regents Scholars Award. 

Every eligible nominee who attends WSU on the Pullman campus in the fall of 2006 will receive a $3,000 scholarship, renewable for one year (totaling $6,000). 

“These are exceptional students, often the top of their class,” Rawlins said. “They combine their academic talents with tremendous contributions as leaders in their high schools and their communities. We see National Merit Scholars, student body presidents, high school senators, musicians, varsity athletes and community volunteers – and they represent the future leadership of our state. The Regents Scholars Program seeks to acknowledge the accomplishments of these outstanding students and encourage them to stay in the state of Washington for their college education. By offering this opportunity for significant support toward their education at WSU, we want to signify their importance to our state’s future.” 

The Regents Scholars Faculty Selection Committee will evaluate all nominated students who will compete for two higher award levels. Seventy-five nominees will be named Silver Regents Scholars, which provides a $4,000 scholarship, renewable for one year (totaling $8,000), should they attend WSU. The top 25 nominees will be named Distinguished Regents Scholar – a scholarship covering the full cost of resident undergraduate tuition, a book stipend, mandatory fees, housing and dining in the university residence halls.

Each principal of eligible Washington high schools was given the opportunity to nominate two high school juniors with a minimum 3.80 grade point average and minimum SAT score of 1200 or 180 PSAT.  Principals from 190 high schools nominated students. Each of the Distinguished Regents Scholars’ high schools will receive a plaque with the distinguished scholars’ name to recognize the school’s contributions to the student’s education. Final award standings will be announced Oct. 14.

“We’re grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni and friends, which makes it possible to provide opportunities, such as the Regents Scholars Awards, to students in the state of Washington” Rawlins said.