AREA STUDENTS AWARDED GOVERNOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Crystal Atkins of Cape Girardeau and Amy Mouser of McClure, Ill., have been awarded Governor's Scholarships, the most prestigious academic honor bestowed on incoming freshmen at Southeast Missouri State University.

The scholarship pays all college fees, including room and board, for up to eight semesters.

"We are delighted to have this outstanding group of high school scholars with us at Southeast Missouri State University. I am confident this class of Governor's Scholars will continue to set the tone for the high standards of academic excellence being realized across our campus," said Kala Stroup, university president.

Automatic recipients of Governor's Scholarships must be ranked in the top 5 percent of their high school class, have earned at least a 30 on the American College Testing (ACT) admissions test and have taken the ACT required college preparatory core curriculum.

Twenty of this year's Governor's Scholars are ranked first in their high school class, and 10 are ranked second. In addition, 15 are National Merit finalists.

Atkins is the daughter of Carl and Rebecca Atkins of Cape Girardeau and is ranked 39th in her class of 301 at Cape Girardeau Central High School. Atkins is a member of the Math Club and marching band and is business manager of the Anthology Club.

Mouser is the daughter of Avery and Bonnie Mouser of McClure and is ranked first in her class of 46 at Shawnee High School. Mouser has been active in Beta Club, Future Homemakers of America, Student Tutors Educating Peers, the senior play and marching and concert band.