University establishes scholarships for valedictorians
A new scholarship at Shippensburg University for high school valedictorians will provide these talented students in six Southcentral Pennsylvania counties with another reason to make the smart choice to attend Shippensburg.
The university has established the Valedictorian Board of Governors Scholarship that provides an annual $5,000 tuition scholarship for up to four years to the valedictorians in high schools in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry and York counties.
“The long-term future and success of Pennsylvania is truly in the hands of our high school students and especially those who worked hard and earned recognition as valedictorian at their schools,” said University President William N. Ruud. “These scholarships will provide recipients with the chance to pay for their education and study at one of Pennsylvania’s great public universities. It also ensures that Pennsylvania’s best and brightest have an opportunity to succeed.”
One of the university’s goals, Ruud said, is to provide qualified and motivated students with the opportunity to participate in higher education if they are to prepare to compete in a global economy. “We want that opportunity to be available to these students and these funds will allow them to focus on their dreams and to excel.”
A maximum of 15 scholarships will be awarded for the 2008-09 academic year. If more than 15 students apply, SAT math and critical reading scores will determine the recipients. Each scholarship is renewable for up to four years as long as students meet appropriate academic requirements, maintain a minimum quality grade point average of at least 3.0, and earn at least 12 credits per semester.
Students who want to apply and normally don’t receive confirmation of their valedictorian status until late spring should notify the university’s financial aid office and send confirmation of their graduation status. Interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and the admissions office must receive all documentation must no later than June 30.
Ruud has sent letters to school administrators in the six counties announcing the scholarship.
