Nov. 7, 1997 Contact John R. Crosiar (541) 346-3135 EUGENE--Seven University of Oregon freshmen from central and eastern 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 central and eastern Oregon recipients of 1997-98 UO Presidential Scholarships include: BAKER HIGH SCHOOL--Adam K. Woodworth, an exercise and movement science major, Rt. 1, Box 12B, Baker City. BEND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL--Meghan K. O'Rourke, an undeclared major, 60103 W. Ridgeview Dr., Bend. DUFUR HIGH SCHOOL--Shaniko J. Stewart, a magazine journalism pre-major, 79781 Shellrock Rd. Dufur. HOOD RIVER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL--Jered E. Windsheimer, a computer and information science major, 1339 Lincoln Rd., Hood River. KLAMATH UNION HIGH SCHOOL--Amanda C. Uerlings, an undeclared major, 1437 Pacific Terrace, Klamath Falls. MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, Bend--Skye S. Tenney, a biology major, 63342 Pine Knoll Circle, Bend. REDMOND HIGH SCHOOL--Brandy L. Sorenson, an undeclared major, P.O. Box 1080, Redmond. -30- #H-2075c/Hometowns/eb