Six Utah students have been named recipients of Brigham Young University's 1997-98 Gordon B. Hinckley Scholarships.
The prestigious scholarship is named after the current president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The eight-semester scholarship was awarded to 12 men and 12 women selected from 64 finalists and 850 qualified applicants.Recipients were judged in five areas: religious commitment, character, academic excellence, passion for life and service to others.
Women recipients from Utah are Katarina Jambresic and Taliatha Palmer of Salt Lake City; Sannali Matheson, West Jordan; and Audrey L. Perry, Orem.
Utah men receiving the scholarship are Jonathan J. Miner, Springville; and William D. Simmons, Orem.
The recipients were chosen after a rigorous application process. In order to apply, students needed a minimum grade point average of 3.85 and a minimum ACT score of 31. Applicants were also asked to submit a list of extracurricular activities and community service involvement. Three letters from high school teachers, a letter from the students' bishops and two essays were also required.
The 64 finalists were invited to BYU for three days, where they participated in interviews, evaluations and activities. The 24 recipients were chosen following these activities.
Finalists not receiving the Gordon B. Hinckley scholarship will be given a Heritage scholarship in recognition of their achievements.