Nov. 7, 1997 Contact John R. Crosiar (541) 346-3135 EUGENE--Twenty-five University of Oregon freshmen from southwestern Oregon are among 61 new recipients of $3,000 Presidential Scholarships for the 1997-98 academic year. The students were awarded the scholarships for their academic achievement, leadership and participation in community and school activities. "Presidential scholars, Oregon's top high school graduates, often become the UOs top scholars and graduates, setting the standard for outstanding achievement," says UO President Dave Frohnmayer. "We're delighted to announce 61 new recipients have chosen to accept the UO's academic challenge this year." The Presidential Scholarship Program began 13 years ago as a way to encourage Oregon's best and brightest high school students to continue their education in the state. The grants are renewable for up to four years for students who maintain a minimum grade-point average and make satisfactory academic progress toward earning their degrees. New and returning Presidential Scholarship recipients--and the donors who fund the program--were recognized at an Oct. 1 reception. Currently, 180 Presidential Scholars are attending the University of Oregon. "The participation of these students at the University of Oregon raises the quality of the classroom experience for every student and enhances the pleasure of high-quality undergraduate teaching for the faculty," says Frohnmayer. "It is a program that in some way touches everyone--the presidential scholars themselves, their fellow students, the faculty and staff and those whose generosity makes the program possible. "The university is fortunate that so many generous people understand the significance of this program to the overall quality of this institution's educational mission," the UO president says. Each year, the scholarship winners are selected by the University Scholarship Committee from among Oregon's top graduating high school seniors. The panel considers exceptional grade-point averages, Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) scores, courses taken in high school, extracurricular activities, awards and honors, and an essay by each candidate. Although an outstanding academic record counts for 50 percent of the scholarship selection score, community involvement and extracurricular activities, the essay and the overall impression of the candidate also weigh heavily in the panel's deliberations. If a candidate does not have an exceptionally high GPA, she or he can get a scholarship with a noteworthy record in the other areas of consideration. Money for the UO Presidential Scholarships is raised privately through the University of Oregon Foundation, an independent nonprofit corporation organized to solicit and manage gifts for the university. More than 200 individuals, family donors, local businesses and corporations provide the funds needed to award the scholarships. By school, the southwestern Oregon recipients of 1997-98 UO Presidential Scholarships are: ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL--Jenelle M. Horsburgh, an undeclared major, 5691 Highway 66, Ashland. BROOKINGS HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL--Jeryl J. Johnston, a music major, 17221 Eastwood Lane, Brookings. ELMIRA HIGH SCHOOL--Alexander S. Pawlowski, an undeclared major, 23954 Butler Rd., Elmira. GLIDE HIGH SCHOOL--Jose R. Bernal, a music major, 446 Rivershore Dr., Glide. HENRY D. SHELDON HIGH SCHOOL, Eugene--Tyler J. Crabtree, a history major, 515 Sunshine Acres; Jessica L. Mak, a chemistry major, 1597 Hackamore Way; and Nicolas B. Munroe, a computer and information science major, 2962 Gilham Rd., all of Eugene. JUNCTION CITY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL--Mark C. McCoy, a fine and applied arts major, 652 Holly St., Junction City. MARIST HIGH SCHOOL, Eugene--Alison W. Craig, an undeclared major, 33606 Mt. Tom Dr., Harrisburg. MARSHFIELD SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, Coos Bay--Megan J. McDaniel, an undeclared major, 437 N. 11th, Coos Bay. NORTH DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL, Drain--Ellen R. Avis, a theater arts major, 1639 Sand Creek Rd., Drain. NORTH EUGENE HIGH SCHOOL--Jennifer N. Darby, an undeclared major, 820 Willow Ave.; Daniel P. Harms, an undeclared major, 3110 Marvin Dr.; and Andrew M. Jost, a chemistry major, 406 Kinsbury Ave, all of Eugene. PHOENIX HIGH SCHOOL--Joel C. Willard, a political science major, 3010 Lazy Creek Dr., Medford. PLEASANT HILL HIGH SCHOOL--James F. Bradbury, a journalism pre-major, 85133 Ridgeway Rd., Pleasant Hill. SOUTH EUGENE HIGH SCHOOL--Carey R. Clouse, an undeclared major, 250 W. 19th; Emily E. Goldthwaite, an undeclared major, 2655 Harris St.; Jessica H. Klausmeier, an undeclared major, 3830 University St.; Erica R. Leslie, an undeclared major, 662 Cheshire Ave.; Meghan S. McNeil, an engineering pre-major, 2230 Garfield; Van H. Nguyen, a biology major, 780 Foothill Dr.; and Michael T. Pickett, a business administration pre-major, 2130 Summit Ave., all of Eugene. SOUTH MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL--Maya W. Monen, an undeclared major, 3449 Westover Blvd., Central Point. WINSTON CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL, Eugene--Travis A. Reiman, an English major, 3830 Yorkshire Ave., Eugene. -30- #H-2075b/Hometowns/eb