Released August 23, 2005

Hattiesburg– The University of Southern Mississippi’s Honors College has announced its Presidential Scholars for the 2005-2006 academic year, with students choosing Southern Miss for a wide variety of degree programs.

Dr. Ken Panton, dean of the Southern Miss Honors College, said more applications for Presidential Scholarships than ever before have been received for the upcoming academic year, increasing the competition for the prestigious scholarships.

“The candidates who won the awards are articulate students with very high ACT scores, so we are delighted that they have decided to develop their talents in the Honors College and in the University,” Panton said. “Their parents and their teachers have every right to be proud of them.”

Prospective freshmen with an ACT score of 30 or higher (or corresponding SAT score) and/or National Merit or National Achievement semifinalist status who have been accepted into the Honors College are invited to compete for these scholarships in February each year. The Honors College offers scholarships based on academic ability.

“The recruitment of high-ability freshmen is a high priority at Southern Miss, and we are affirmed by these results,” said Dr. Joe Paul, Southern Miss vice president for Student Affairs, of the new scholars. “We expect these students to prosper in our unique Honors College environment.”

The Southern Miss Honors College was established in 1965 as an honors program and became a separate college in 1976, making it the sixth-oldest honors college in the nation. Its students follow a curriculum that places an emphasis on learning through a combination of classroom and active learning, which includes experiences through field trips and visits to cultural and educational sites.

Presidential Scholars (with scholarship sponsor if applicable) include

Allison Beler of Metairie, La., a graduate of St. Mary’s Dominican High School, is the daughter of Kenneth and Dale Beler and plans to major in dance.

Brandi Childs of Diamondhead is the daughter of Earl and Kyla Childs and plans to major in environmental science.

Brittany Coleman of Gulf Breeze, Fla., a graduate of Gulf Breeze High School, is the daughter of Keith and Pamela Coleman and plans to major in elementary education.

Kyle Fortenberry of Gautier, a graduate of Gautier High School, is the son of Jerry and Ann Fortenberry and plans to major in mathematics. Fortenberry received the Middleberg Family Endowed Presidential Scholarship.

Breanne Hancock of Raleigh, a graduate of Raleigh High School, is the daughter of Connie and Jimmy Hancock and plans to major in accounting. Hancock received the Cellular South Endowed Presidential Scholarship.

Ashleigh Hoppe of Metairie, La., a graduate of Mt. Carmel Academy, is the daughter of Dr. Cary J. and Diane Hoppe and plans to major in theater.

Cassie Nabors of Collinsville, a graduate of West Lauderdale High School, is the daughter of Mike and Beth Nabors and plans to major in psychology/pre-medicine. Nabors received the Schillig-Baird Endowed Presidential Scholarship.

Kileigh Peturis of Loxley, Ala., a graduate of Robertsdale High School, is the daughter of Nanette and Joe Peturis and plans to major in physics.

Justin Poelma of Ocean Springs, a graduate of the Mississippi School for Math and Science, is the son of John and Theresa Poelma and plans to major in polymer science. Poelma received the Schillig-Baird Endowed Presidential Scholarship.

Taylor Randall of Pensacola, Fla., a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, is the daughter of Steven and Lynne Randall and plans to major in chemistry (pre-pharmacy).

Amanda Rushing of Bogalusa, La., a graduate of Fountainebleau High School, is the daughter of Reid and Dawn Rushing and plans to major in pre-medicine.

Paul Saputo of New Orleans, La., a graduate of Jesuit High School, is the son of Paul and Juliano Saputo and plans to major in psychology.

Derik Wood of Hamilton, a graduate of the Mississippi School for Math and Science, is the son of Mike and Malissa Wood and plans to major in either political science or history. Wood received the Schillig-Baird Endowed Presidential Scholarship.

Samuel Zeanah of Magnolia Springs, Ala., a graduate of Gulf Shores High School, is the son of Dr. Bob and Joy Zeanah and plans to major in music.

For information about the Southern Miss Honors College, call (601) 266-4533.

-30-