August 03, 2004
Ean Seals wins presidential scholarship
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Ean Jacob Seals, a graduate of Edwards County High School, is the recipient of a presidential scholarship from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Seals 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 Seals, son of J. Matt and Beth Seals of Ellery.
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.
Seals participated in the Illinois High School Scholar Bowl Coaches Association All Tournament Team and he was an Illinois State Scholar. His activities included the Spanish, science and social studies clubs, as well as band and dinner theater.
He plans to major in electrical engineering.