Booth Scholars Program looking for new scholars

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The Booth Scholars Program at Pikeville College will be accepting applications for a new class of scholars beginning in October. The program was developed by the College to assist academically promising youth in this area of Appalachia as they begin planning and preparing for higher education.

The program is not based on income. Students who are selected to participate must demonstrate a high level of academic promise and a willingness to engage in additional academic study, Web-enhanced learning opportunities, and participation in enrichment activities throughout their high school years. Other activities include participation in an annual Summer Residential Institute held at Pikeville College, online course work beyond standard high school curriculum, cultural field trips, regional activities and workshops, access to tutoring and enrichment software, activities designed to meet the student’s specific needs, a database of scholarship opportunities, and information on national and international scholarship opportunities and various college and university visits. All activities are structured to help students prepare for and successfully pursue a college degree.

Regional Coordinator Roland Wierwille and Director Shellae Peters will be traveling to middle and elementary schools in Pike County and to Riverview Elementary in Buchanan County, Va., during the last two weeks in August to provide information and applications to interested eighth-grade students. There will also be three presentations for parents, beginning on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. in Booth Auditorium at Pikeville College, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Riverview Elementary Forum, and Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Belfry Middle School cafeteria. All interested parents are encouraged to attend one of the meetings.

Interested students must submit a completed application by Oct. 17, 2008, to be considered for the program. Scholars are selected during the spring of their eighth-grade year based on their academic achievement, community service, social activities, and teacher recommendation as portrayed in their application. Students chosen to participate will benefit from the program throughout high school and into the first year of college.

The office for the Booth Scholars Program is located on the second floor of the Administration Building on the Pikeville College Campus. For more information, contact Peters at (606) 218-5306 or Wierwille at (606) 218-5769.

The Booth Program at Pikeville College is made possible by the vision and generosity of Alex E. Booth, Jr., a native of Wayne County, W.Va., and a graduate of the University of Chicago. Mr. Booth, a successful businessman, has served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Pikeville College for more than a decade. The Booth Scholars Program at Pikeville College serves students in Pike County, Ky., and Buchanan County, Va.