5 local students awarded Byrd Honors scholarship for academic excellence

The high academic achievements of five recent high school graduates have garnered them a federally funded scholarship that has been awarded to approximately 27,000 students nationwide.

Jenna Fair of Whitewater High, Lauren Swany of Starr’s Mill High, Julian Urrego of Fayette County High, Antuan Weeks of Sandy Creek High, and Matthew Niebes of McIntosh High are recipients of the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship. Each student will receive a $1,500 award for four years to help cover tuition costs at the college or university of their choice.

The program, which is federally funded and state-administered, is designed to recognize exceptionally able high school seniors who show promise of continued excellence in postsecondary education. High school graduates who have been accepted for enrollment at institutions of higher learning, have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued academic excellence are eligible to apply for the scholarship in states in which they are residents. The U.S. Department of Education provides grant funds to states on a formula basis. The award is not based on the applicant’s financial need.