Published: May 22, 2008 12:22 pm            

Knowledge of state earns local students college money

Oklahoma City — More than 120 Oklahoma high schoolers have a little extra spring in their step after earning money for college through the Oklahoma Heritage Association’s annual scholarship competition.

On Saturday, April 5, students across the state took an exam on Oklahoma’s history and its people in the hopes that their high score would earn them a $1,000 cash scholarship or tuition grant.

Each year, the OHA makes available more than $400,000 in scholarships, which are awarded to the high test scorers in each county –most counties have at least three scholarships available.

“This program is designed to reward Oklahoma students who have taken an interest in the rich history of our great state,” said Shannon Nance, Oklahoma Heritage Association president.

“It also encourages Oklahoma students to stay in state to attend college and hopefully remain here to live and work after receiving their degrees.”

Individual donors and Oklahoma colleges and universities provide the cash scholarships and tuition grants in the counties of their choice.

Both Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Christian University have made tuition waivers available in all 77 counties.



Pontotoc County

scholarship recipients are:

• Sydney Thornton, 11th grade, Latta High School; $1,000 tuition grant to East Central University, Ada.

• Aileen Barton, 9th grade, Latta High School; $1,000 cash scholarship funded by Mekusukey Oil Company, LLC, Wewoka.

• Cody Peak, 9th grade, Roff High School; $1,000 tuition grant to Murray State College, Tishomingo.

The Oklahoma Heritage Association preserves Oklahoma’s unique history and promotes pride in our great state.

Through each of its programs and the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, named Oklahoma’s best new attraction in 2008, the non-profit tells Oklahoma’s story through its people.

For more information about the Oklahoma Heritage Association’s scholarship program, visit www.oklahomaheritage.com or call 405-235-4458.

        

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