Area Students Earn Top Scholarships at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Nine students have been named recipients of The University of Alabama’s most prestigious academic scholarships for the 2000-2001 academic year.

To be considered for these scholarships, students must have at least a 32 ACT score, or at least 1400 on the SAT, with a high school grade point average of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale. Students must have demonstrated leadership and service, and must have completed both an essay and an interview.

In addition to their scholarship, National Merit finalists also receive $1,000 merit funding each year, a one-time $2,000 study abroad or summer research allowance and a laptop computer upon enrollment.

The recipients include:

-Jason B. Byrd of Trinity was named a S.Z. Mitchell Scholar to receive a $7,500 scholarship. Byrd, a graduate of East Lawrence High School, is the son of Lamonte Byrd and Jennifer Sims. He plans to pursue a career in business. Byrd was a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society and was a National Beta Club Quiz Bowl finalist. He was the state president of FHA/HERO, band captain and senior class president. Byrd graduated first in his class.

-Claire N. Chisolm, a National Merit finalist from Hoover, was named a Jack Warner Scholar to receive a $7,500 scholarship. Chisolm is a graduate of Hoover High School and is the daughter of Brannan and Stephanie Chisolm. She was a member of the French Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society. Chisolm placed third in a statewide French competition and seventh nationally on the National French Exam. She also received the Harvard Book Award and was ranked fourth in her graduating class.

-William D. Coffman, a National Merit finalist from Homewood, was named a Ruth W. and Henry Andrews Scholar to receive a $7,500 scholarship. Coffman, a graduate of Homewood High School, is the son of David and Kimberly Coffman. He served as president of Mu Alpha Theta and was a member of the National Honor Society, the Beta Club and the National Latin Honor Society. Coffman was the chairman of the House Rules Committee at Boys’ State, a member of the Show Choir and a Varsity letterman in swimming and soccer.

-Ryan A. Davis, a National Merit finalist from Woodbridge, Va., was named a Ruth W. and Henry Andrews Scholar to receive a $12,350 scholarship. Davis, a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, is the son of Roy and Elaine Davis. He graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and plans to major in aerospace engineering. Davis, who was captain of the Prince William County Soccer Inc., soccer team, was a member of the National Honor Society and the Biking Club. He also participated in the U.S. Air Force Academy Summer Scientific Seminar.

-William D. Hester, a National Merit finalist from Tuscumbia, was named a Vulcan Materials Scholar to receive a $10,014 scholarship. Hester, a graduate of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randy B. Hester. He plans to major in math. Hester was treasurer of the Student Government Association. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. Hester was selected as a Student Ambassador and Senior Proctor and served as the assistant editor of the literary magazine.

-Ann T. Reed of Mobile was named a Ruth W. and Henry Andrews Scholar to receive a $7,500 scholarship. Reed, a graduate of Saint Paul’s Episcopal School, is the daughter of Richard and Cindy Reed. A National Merit Commended Scholar, she also served as Interact Club vice president. Reed was on the Headmaster’s List and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was Mobile County’s Junior Miss 2000, a member of the Mobile Ballet Apprentice Company and an Azalea Trail Maid. Reed plans to study English.

-Christopher E. Sanders, a National Merit finalist from Warrior, was named a Ruth W. and Henry Andrews Scholar to receive a $7,500 scholarship. Sanders, a graduate of Hayden High School, is the son of Edward and Charlotte Sanders. He graduated first in his class and was a captain of the Scholars’ Bowl team, editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and president of the Senior Beta Club. Sanders was the 1996 Alabama State Geography Bee Champion and the editor-in-chief of the school literary magazine. He plans to study journalism.

-David N. Simmons, a National Merit finalist from Geneva, was named a Blount Presidential Scholar to receive a scholarship of $7,500. Simmons, a graduate of Geneva High School, is the son of John Simmons and Karen Simmons. He was the president of the Student Government and vice president of the National Beta Club. Simmons was named defensive captain of the football team and was a varsity letterman in football, basketball, baseball and weightlifting. He was selected as Who’s Who Among American High School Students and was a Wendy’s High School Heisman Scholar Athlete nominee.

-Brett J. Talley of Jasper was named a Drummond Company Scholar to receive a scholarship of $7,500. Talley, a graduate of Walker High School, is the son of Mike and Sue Talley. He was president of the Interact Club and vice president of the National Honor Society. Talley attended Boys’ State, was captain of the Scholars’ Bowl team, editor-in-chief of the yearbook and a member of Mu Alpha Theta. Talley also served as a D.A.R.E. role model.

Contact

Amelia Parker or Linda Hill, Office of Media Relations, 205/348-8325