WSU Announces Regents Scholars for 2003
PULLMAN, Wash. — More than 400 Washington high school seniors received notification this week of their eligibility for Regents Scholarships at Washington State University.
Twenty-five students were named Distinguished Regents Scholars, qualifying for scholarships worth a minimum of $15,000 per year. The awards are renewable for four years, making the package worth nearly $60,000 per student. Other students received awards ranging from $6,000 to $8,000 over two years.
“This program aims to recognize outstanding students and keep them in the state of Washington for their college education,” said WSU President V. Lane Rawlins. “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.”
The 440 scholars have an average grade point average of 3.93. They include student body presidents and senators, National Honor Society members, National Merit Finalists, musicians, varsity athletes and community volunteers. Their academic interests include mathematics and science, psychology, political science, business, education, law and medicine, among others.
“The Regents Scholarship Program falls within the university’s strategic goal of attracting high-quality students to WSU,” said Barry Swanson, Faculty Senate chair. “It was very successful in attracting students last year, and I think we’re on our way to doing the same this year.”
Regents Scholars were nominated by high school principals in every region of the state. Auburn and Vancouver each have two scholars in the group of 25. Every nominee is eligible for a two-year, $3,000 Crimson level scholarship to WSU. Seventy-five of the Regents Scholarship winners were then considered for an additional $1,000, elevating them to the Silver level scholarship, also renewable a second year. The top 25 Distinguished level winners were offered four-year, full-ride scholarships.
Each student nominated was required to have a minimum 3.8 grade point average. The 25 Distinguished recipients and 75 Silver recipients each have a combined GPA of 3.96, while winners at the Crimson level have a 3.91 group GPA. Eighty-five students have a 4.0 GPA.
The WSU Regents Scholars Selection Committee also evaluated the students’ academic strengths and interests, leadership capabilities, and extracurricular and community involvement.
The top 25 scholars are Johannes G. Anderson of Granite Falls, Christopher M. Bates of Walla Walla, Cody S. Beebe of Selah, Jenna M. Boulé of Vancouver, Robert R. Colbert of Tonasket, James R. Eberlein III of South Hill, Alicia A. Ensor of Davenport, Daniel J. Forsman of Montesano, Sarah A. Foss of Puyallup, Casey S. Gamache of Yakima, Renae C. Hamilton of Vancouver, Kendra A. Heier of Auburn, Anna K. Heninger of Odessa, Brittny D. Jarman of Auburn, Laura H. Johnson of Dayton, Amy L. Kolb of St. John, John A. Leraas of Lacey, Clarissa M. Morford of Eatonville, Brittany M. Navarre of Cle Elum, Kylan T. Robinson of Tacoma, Julie D. Solbrack of Colfax, Melissa D. Speigle of Shelton, Katherine J. Swanson of Veradale, Kathryn L. Troxel of Friday Harbor and Amee D. Walden of Newport.
