RIVERMONT SENIOR RANKS TOP IN ILLINOIS

Rivermont Collegiate is ecstatic to announce senior Darsani Reddy has been named a 2013-14 Illinois State Scholar by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Darsani is the daughter of Dr. Bouyella and Mrs. Kamala Reddy of Moline, IL.  The State Scholar Program recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement.  Approximately the top ten percent of graduates from approved high schools are recognized as State Scholars each year.

A list of State Scholars in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas is attached.

About the Illinois State Scholar Program

To be eligible, a student must be a resident of Illinois and perform in the top one-half of their class (at the end of their junior year) and/or score in the 95^th percentile on the ACT, SAT, or Prairie State Achievement Exam.  Once all students who meet these criteria are identified, a formula based on standardized test scores and performance-based academic data is used to select State Scholars.  While the prestigious recognition does not include a monetary award, recipients are encouraged to cite the award on college admission applications.  For additional information, visit http://www.isac.org.

About Darsani Reddy

Darsani, who was also recently named a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program, is a member of National Honor Society and President of the Rivermont Computer Club.  She is a member of the Varsity Basketball team and Show Choir and enjoys participating in Rivermont theater productions and volunteering at Trinity Medical Center.  Currently, Darsani is exploring The University of Chicago, Syracuse University, and Washington University in St. Louis, among other schools.

USA NETWORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MEDIACOM HONOR QUAD CITIES TEACHER WITH A CHARACTERS UNITE AWARD FOR HIS EFFORTS TO COMBAT PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION

Phillip Ambrose, Principal of Thurgood Marshall Learning Center in Rock Island, to Be Recognized at an Awards Ceremony on December 7; Also Featured on USA Network On-Air and Online as Part of Characters Unite Campaign

• Heart Behind the Oval Community Challenge is open to all U.S. high school seniors and college students with a demonstrated commitment to their communities

• Public voting determines three winners who each receive a $2,500 college scholarship and a $2,500 grant to complete a future service project

• Students may enter this year's contest on the Ford Blue Oval Scholars Facebook page until Dec. 14 with a video or photo essay showcasing their current community work and outlining a future project they could complete with more funding

DETROIT, Dec. 3, 2012 - The 2012 Heart Behind the Oval Community Challenge is underway, with the general public registering support for their favorite contest entries through daily online voting.  For this year's contest, Ford Motor Company Fund invited high school seniors and college students to showcase their commitment to their communities in a brief video or photo essay.  Students can submit their entries until Dec. 14.

The three entries with the most online votes will receive a $2,500 college scholarship and a $2,500 grant to a partnering nonprofit to complete a future service project.  Wild Card prizes, including a $1,000 college scholarship and a $1,000 project grant, will be awarded to two entries chosen by a Ford Motor Company judging panel.

For more information or to enter and vote for the 2012 Heart Behind the Oval Community Challenge, please visit http://apps.facebook.com/fordblueovalscholars/

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 172,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today named University of Iowa student Hannah Walsh as the student member to the state Board of Regents.

Walsh, 20, is from Spirit Lake and majoring in Political Science. She has served as a page in the Iowa Senate and serves as the co-chair of the University of Iowa Governmental Relations Committee.

"Hannah is an outstanding student leader, and I am excited to see what she accomplishes in working with the Board of Regents," said Branstad. "It is important for students to have an effective advocate who understands their concerns, and Hannah will be an effective leader for students at all three state universities."

Walsh's term begins today. She will serve until April 30, 2015. Her term is subject to Senate confirmation. Walsh is filling the rest of Greta Johnson's term, who is no longer a student at a Regent university.

"Hannah Walsh has demonstrated her passion through her involvement with numerous activities at the University of Iowa," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "She will bring fresh ideas and a new outlook to the board."