Des Moines, IA., July, 30, 2009 - Today, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) released a list of 69 top-ranked Iowa students who were named Robert C. Byrd Scholars. Thomas Harris, high school graduate from Davenport Assumption High School and Austin Laugen, high school graduate from Davenport Central High School in Davenport, Iowa were selected for this prestigious scholarship from among 191 applicants statewide. A comprehensive list of the 2009-2010 Byrd Scholar recipients is available from Iowa College Aid's website at:
http://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/commissioncentral/schgrants/byrdscholars.html.
The Byrd Scholar program rewards students who demonstrate the highest levels of academic achievement and leadership. Each recipient will receive a $1,500 college scholarship for the 2009-2010 academic year. The award is renewable for up to four years, based on federal funding and the student's continued academic performance.
"The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards given to college-bound students," said Karen Misjak, executive director of the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. "These are exceptional students who met high standards in education and leadership and all Iowans can be proud of their accomplishments."
In addition to other outstanding credentials, the 2009-2010 Byrd Scholars rank within the top 2% of their graduating class, have an average GPA of 3.99 (based on a 4.0scale) and average 33 on the ACT exam and 2190 on the SAT exam.
About the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship is a federally-funded program. The Iowa Department of Education is designated to ensure qualified Iowa students receive the scholastic awards and collaborates with the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Commission) for administration assistance. The Commission's working relationship with high school guidance counselors, as well as college and university administrators, provide a supportive framework for the annual Byrd Scholarship competition. Scholars compete for the top honors by submitting applications that support superior academic credentials, leadership qualities, and service records. To apply, an Iowa high school senior must be in the top 10 percent of his or her graduation class, obtain a minimum score of 28 on the ACT or 1860 on the SAT exam, earn a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale), an must have taken rigorous coursework outlined in the application. Applications are reviewed, and scholars selected, by a panel of academic officials.
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About the Iowa College Student Aid Commission
As the state's designated guaranty agency for the Family Federal Education Loan Program (FFELP), Iowa College Aid guarantees more than $696 million annually in student loans from private lenders to support over 77,000 Iowa students and parents.. In addition, Iowa College Aid administers state scholarship, grant, and loan forgiveness programs totaling over $69.5 million, provides borrowers with assistance to avoid the serious consequences of default, conducts research and distributes higher education data, and offers Iowans assistance in obtaining student financial aid and college-related information. More information is available at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.
