August 06, 2004
Zachary Hill wins presidential scholarship
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Zac Hill, a graduate of Fairfield Community High School, is the recipient of a presidential scholarship from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Hill 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 Hill, son of Robert Hill and Kathie Hill of Fairfield.
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.
Hill's honors include membership in the National Honor Society and receiving the English and Social Science awards. His activities included cross-country, wrestling, track, Scholastic Bowl, MATH team and Science Club.
He plans to major in psychology.