University of Texas at Austin Honors Incoming Freshmen for Academics, Leadership

May 8, 2007

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AUSTIN, Texas—The College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin has selected seven students for the Dedman Distinguished Scholars, Class of 2011. Dedman scholars are selected based on class rank, Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, exemplary extracurricular activities, community service and interviews. Each student will receive $10,000 per academic year for four years.

Scholarship recipients are:

• Holly Day, McCallum High School, Austin, Texas
• Elana Estrin, Ladue Horton High School, St. Louis, Mo.
• Jennifer Lehmberg, Memorial High School, Houston
• Arjun Mukerji, Oak Ridge High School, The Woodlands, Texas
• Chané Polo, Chisum High School, Paris, Texas
• James Powers, Memorial High School, Houston
• Brennwyn Romano, Carroll High School, Southlake, Texas

Finalists were selected from the students who applied to the Plan II Honors Program and to the Liberal Arts Honors Program. In making their decisions, committee members considered academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and important accomplishments.

"These students represent the best and brightest of their peers," said Larry Carver, director of the college's honors program. "They will contribute greatly to our community in the next four years and beyond."

The Dedman Distinguished Scholarship honors Robert and Nancy Dedman of Dallas whose $10 million endowment funds these scholarships. To date, their gift has supported about 75 Dedman scholars. After graduating from the university, the students have entered some of the country's best graduate programs, medical and law schools. The scholarships are based on merit rather than need, although most of the applicants are from middle- to low-income families.

For more information contact: Larry Carver, director, Liberal Arts Honors Programs, 512-471-3458; Tracy Mueller, public affairs specialist, College of Liberal Arts, 512-471-2404.