Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Seven incoming freshmen from Mississippi, Alabama, Maryland, and Tennessee are receiving Mississippi State's most prestigious scholarships.
The latest class of the university's Distinguished Scholars includes Matthew F. "Matt" Blair of Clear Spring, Md.; Zachary A. "Zack" Brown of Bay Springs; Emily A. Epps of Huntsville, Ala.; Eddie Mac Huddleston of Pontotoc; Faith E. Smith of Collierville, Tenn.; Shannon K. "Kate" Thompson of Picayune; and Jane C. Walton of Ridgeland.
Each student receives more than $60,000 during their four years of residence at MSU.
Specifically, the academic awards provide:
--$34,000 over four years, or $8,500 per year;
--Complimentary double-occupancy campus residence hall accommodations, currently valued at up to $20,000 over four years;
--A one-time, $1,500 educational enrichment scholarship for study abroad, internships or other qualified educational pursuits during a semester of choice after the freshman year; and
--An undergraduate research fellowship award, valued at $4,000 over two summers or $2,000 per summer.
The new scholars join more than two dozen others selected in previous years, according to scholar program director and mentor John F. Marszalek.
"We are pleased to welcome these seven talented individuals into our program," Marszalek said.
"Their talents and abilities will mesh well with our outstanding returning upperclassmen," he observed, adding, "We expect great things from them during their careers at MSU."
The Distinguished Scholars Program is part of MSU's Shackouls Honors College (www.honors.msstate.edu).
Some facts about the year's MSU Distinguished Scholars:
--Matt Blair, the son of Patricia Blair, was named a finalist for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award for excellence in athletics and community and school leadership. In addition to serving as student government association president at Clear Spring School, he was active with soccer, tennis and basketball teams in both the school and community. Blair plans to major in civil engineering.
--Zachary Brown, the son of Mark and Kimberly Brown, was a Mississippi Governor's School Scholar during his time at Stringer High School. He also was student council class president during his freshman-junior years, and played trumpet in the award-winning Stringer Maroon Pride Band. Brown plans to major in biological engineering.
--Emily Epps, the daughter of Bruce and Amy Epps, has served as the captain of Huntsville High School's varsity girl soccer team and is active in United Soccer Club. She was named a Rotary Youth Leadership Counselor and a participant in NASA's Inspire Online Learning Community. Epps plans to major in computer science. [ZIP 35802]
--Eddie Mac Huddleston, the son of state Rep. Mac and Flavia Huddleston, served as a page in the Mississippi Legislature and was a Mississippi Governor's School Scholar. In addition to being named Pontotoc High School's STAR Student, he was captain of the Scholars Bowl Team, president of the Mathematics and Science Club, drum major of the marching band, and executive board secretary of the Youth Leadership Foundation. Huddleston has not chosen an academic major.
--Faith Smith, the daughter of James and Amy Smith, was a member of Houston (Tenn.) High School's senior hall of fame and captain of the Knowledge Bowl team. She also played French horn with the school's wind ensemble, as well as the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, and Tennessee All-State and University of Memphis Honor bands. Smith plans to major in computer engineering.
--Kate Thompson, the daughter of Patrick and Gena Thompson, was editor of the literary magazine of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus. She also received the school's Gold Key Award and recognition in MSU's Jack H. White Literary Competition. At Picayune Memorial High School, she was a member of the Pride of the Tide Dance Team and associated groups. Thompson plans to major in biochemistry.
--Jane Walton, the daughter of Bill Walton of Tupelo and Tammy Snyder of Ridgeland, was president of Madison-Ridgeland Academy's student council and a selection for a Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. She also was a member of the Ridgeland Junior Diplomat Program and captain of the Patriot Pride dance team. Walton has not chosen an academic major.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see www.msstate.edu.