RADFORD -- Radford University has awarded Presidential Scholarships to 12 incoming freshmen for the 2007-08 academic year.

To be considered for a Presidential Scholarship, a student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and combined minimum SAT I critical reading and math scores of 1180 or an ACT score of 26 or higher. Students must also demonstrate participation in extracurricular activities and community service.

Eight incoming students have been awarded a full Presidential Scholarship, which includes in-state tuition, fees, room and board and a book stipend. Those receiving full scholarships are: Emily Effie Abbott of High Point, N.C.; Kristen Marie Curan of Mooresville, N.C.; Sarah Dawn Easter of Fishersville; Sarah Catherine Furry of Salem; Rebekah Elizabeth Lewis of Appomattox; Susan Rebecca Moore of Chatham; Christina Marie Nolin of Concord, N.C.; and Matt Prater of Saltville.

Four others have been awarded a partial tuition Presidential Scholarship. Those students are: Kaleena Marie Jones of Draper; Rachel Anne Rigney of Radford; Abby Elizabeth Thompson of Blacksburg; and Melinda Shawn Whitley of Pilot.

The Presidential Scholarship is RU’s most prestigious scholarship. Potential scholars are identified during the new student application process and selected to compete for the scholarships.

Since the inception of the Presidential Scholars Program in 1994, RU has provided scholarships to in-state and out-of-state students with exceptional academic credentials. The program has seen significant growth and is valuable to attracting and recruiting gifted students who are diverse in their interests and academic goals. These deserving students are valued for the contributions they make to the RU community through leadership and campus involvement.