August 04, 2004

Matt Schulz wins presidential scholarship

by Bonnie Marx

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Matt Schulz, a graduate of Pontiac Township High School, is the recipient of a presidential scholarship from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.


Schulz is one of 19 incoming freshmen who make up the third group of presidential scholars. SIU President James E. Walker created the Presidential Scholars Program three years ago, saying it "rewards Illinois high school students who have worked hard in the classroom and who have been actively involved in their school and community."The award provides tuition, fees, and room and board for four years. For the upcoming school year, that's a total of $11,540 for Schulz, son of Ron and Kim Schulz of Pontiac.

Minimum eligibility requirements are an ACT (American College Test) composite score of 29, a 3.75 grade point average on a 4.0 (perfect) scale, leadership qualities and Illinois residency.

This year's scholars recorded an average ACT score of 32.89; 36 is the maximum score. All the recipients ranked in the top 2 percent of their high school graduating class.

Schulz's honors include Illinois State Scholar, membership in the National Honor Society and receiving the Prairie State Achievement Award and the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce Scholastic Achievement Award. His activities included basketball, baseball, golf, football, Student Council and participating in a local weekly radio show.

He plans to major in radio-television.