K-State selects 12 Civic Leadership Scholarship finalists from high schools across Kansas and the region

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News release prepared by: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, 785-532-6415, ebarcomb@k-state.edu

Friday, February 2, 2007

K-STATE SELECTS 12 CIVIC LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS FROM HIGH SCHOOLS ACROSS KANSAS AND THE REGION

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University recently selected 12 high school seniors as finalists for the K-State Civic Leadership Scholarship, presented by Farm Bureau Financial Services.

The finalists competed in an on-campus interview and recognition day Jan. 25. The competition rewards students who are making a difference and demonstrating creativity by developing projects and programs with a lasting impact on those they serve. The finalists were selected for demonstrating a commitment to serving others in their community, school or place of worship.

Former Kansas governor and K-State political science professor John Carlin served as honorary chairman of the K-State Civic Leadership Scholarship competition. Carlin provided a supportive voice to all the finalists, said Emily Lehning, assistant dean of student life.

Farm Bureau Financial Services contributes funding for three top scholarship awards -- $4,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place and $2,000 for third place. Scholarship recipients may renew the scholarship with a 3.33 cumulative grade point average for up to three additional years as Wicks Civic Leadership Scholars. Finalists who were not awarded one of the top three scholarships received $500 scholarships, also supported by Farm Bureau Financial Services.

Recipients and their scholarship amount include:

Carrie E. Dotson, Andover High School, second place, $2,500; Shane Blaes, Cherryvale High School, finalist, $500; Derek R. Champlin, Garden City High School, finalist, $500.

From Greater Kansas City: Alexandra Connors, Notre Dame de Sion High School, Kansas City, Mo., finalist, $500; and Jacqueline M. Johnson, Olathe North High School, third place, $2,000.

Natalie Wilgers, Linn High School, finalist, $500; Stuart M. Watts, Manhattan High School, finalist, $500; Amy Sents, McPherson High School, finalist, $500; Kyle Merklein, Phillipsburg High School, first place, $4,000; and Gretchen Holthaus, Salina High School South, finalist, $500.

From out-of-state: Robert Munson, Sandwich Community High School, Sandwich, Ill., finalist, $500; and Eric Brunkow, Ponca City Senior High School, Ponca City, Okla., finalist, $500.