August 05, 2004
Sam Garner wins presidential scholarship
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Sam Garner, a graduate of Massac County High School, is the recipient of a presidential scholarship from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Garner 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 Garner, son of Terry Trovillion and stepson of Jay Trovillion, of Metropolis.
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.
Garner, a member of the National Honor Society, earned sectional tournament honors in biology, extemporaneous speaking and technical English in high school. His activities included the speech team, academic team, Mu Alpha Theta, genetics club and biology club.
He plans to major in biology.