GRAVETTE — Erica Leeman, a 2009 graduate of Gravette High School, has been named one of 75 outstanding high school seniors chosen to join the eighth class of Honors College Fellows at the University of Arkansas.

Leeman, the daughter of Frank and Donella Leeman, was one of 493 applicants for the 75 coveted awards. She graduated from GHS with Distinguished High Honors.

Erica had previously received the Governor's Distinguished Scholarship, was named a National Merit Scholar and was awarded he Kit Murphy Memorial Scholarship.

She is the granddaughter of Corene Reynolds of Gravette and Jeanne Leeman of Decatur.

To qualify as a finalist, a student must score at least 32 on the ACT test and have a 3.8 grade point average. The student application includes letters of recommendation, courses of studies and community involvement. In March m ore than 150 finalists were interviewed by some 50 U of A participating faculty members.

Each student will receive a total of $50,000 over four years to cover costs of tuition, room and board as well as cost of books and a computer. Honors College research and study abroad grants may also be contributed.

The Fellowships are possible through a $300 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation.

Honors College Fellows Class of 2013 members will be housed in the Pomfret Honors Quarters for their freshman year and participate in the U of A First Year Experience Program.

News, Pages 2 on 08/12/2009