Area high school seniors awarded
highest scholarship: University Honors

April 27, 2005--Four area high school seniors have been awarded the University Honors Scholarship, the highest award offered, to attend Arkansas State University in the fall.
They are Casey Elizabeth Distretti of Paragould, Emily McMickle of Bono, and Jodi Shannon and William Little, both of Jonesboro.

Distretti, the daughter of Johnny and Jannie Distretti of Paragould, is a graduate of Greene County Tech High School. She was named one of the top five honor students, and was an Eagle Scholar and an Arkansas Scholar. She was a Girls’ State Delegate, a member of the National Honor Society and selected to Who’s Who Among American High School Students. She was a member of the volleyball varsity team, the FFA leadership team, the Student Christian Club, the Key Club and PACE. She was elected secretary to the Student Council, vice president and “Most Likely to Succeed” for her senior class.

McMickle, a graduate of Westside High School, plans to major in digital media and design in the College of Fine Arts. Her parents are Harold and LeAnn McMickle of Bono. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Christians Making a Difference, Interact Club, the Yearbook staff, FBLA, the Ladies Chorus and the Senior Select Chorus as well as several other clubs and organizations.

Shannon, a graduate of Jonesboro High School, plans to enter the pre-professional program. Her parents are Dr. John and Dianna Shannon of Jonesboro. She was named outstanding senior for the Optimist Club, Elks Student of the Month, Rotary Club’s Super Senior as well as being stage manager for the spring musical, “Les Miserables.” She served as treasurer of the FBLA and was a Student Council representative. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, Beta Club and Art Club.

Little, also a graduate of Jonesboro High School, plans to major in chemistry. His parents are Bill Little and Joy Fisher of Jonesboro. He was a two-time 5-A All-State golfer and four year golf letterman, president of the National Honor Society, the History Club and the J-Club. He was a U.S. Achievement Academy Award winner, Craighead County Youth Advisory Council member and is a member of Woodsprings Baptist Church.

The University Honors Scholarship is awarded through a competitive process based on ACT/SAT scores and grade point average each year to Arkansas residents who have graduated from an Arkansas high school. The scholarship covers tuition and fees up to 15 hours, room and board, plus $1,200 per year in stipend. The University Honors Scholarship is the highest award a student can achieve.

                                       # # #