August 04, 2004

Kaitlin White wins presidential scholarship

by Bonnie Marx

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Kaitlin White, a graduate of Neoga High School, is the recipient of a presidential scholarship from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

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 White, daughter of Duane and Melinda White of Neoga.

White 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."

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.

White was a member of the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar. Her extracurricular activities include volleyball, cheerleading, track and mentoring other students.

She plans to major in architecture.