Five high school students have been selected to receive $10,000 in renewable scholarship money from Pacific Union College as the 2009 Malcolm and Eileen Maxwell Scholars. The program honors high school seniors who have demonstrated high academic achievement, a commitment to Christian service, and outstanding leadership skills.
The scholars, selected from nearly 50 applicants, came from all over the United States. Samantha Angeles, from Loma Linda Academy in California, is an aspiring attorney who won the title of Best Defense Attorney in the Mock Trial competitions in San Bernardino. Kaitlyn Min, from Madison Academy in Tennessee, started a service club at her academy called [REVO]lution. Matthew Phelps, from Lodi Adventist Academy in California, is an all-around star student, winning numerous city and school awards for academics, sports, and music. Colleen Uechi from Hawaii Mission Academy, holds the distinction of winning first place in a state scriptwriting contest. Dana Yoon, from Portland Adventist Academy in Oregon, was a standout in her commitment to service to school, community, and church. Each scholar maintained top grades in school, scored high on standardized tests, and, overall, each student is extraordinarily well-rounded.
A selection committee using a double blind process reviewed all the applications. Students applying for the Maxwell Scholar Program had to have been accepted to PUC and also meet GPA and test-score requirements. Each submission score was based on resumes, an essay, and letters of recommendation. "It was a difficult process. There were so many qualified applicants. Ultimately we tried to select students who we felt would not only be outstanding students but also make a positive impact at PUC by using their God-given talents for leadership and service," said Nancy Lecourt, academic dean and chair of the selection committee.
The Maxwell Scholar Program honors Dr. Malcolm Maxwell and his wife, Eileen, and their commitment to Adventist education. Dr. Maxwell was the first alumnus to serve as president of PUC, and he had the longest tenure at 18 years.
Both Dr. Maxwell and Eileen passed away in 2007.
For more information about the Maxwell Scholar program, other scholarship opportunities, or to use our online scholarship calculator, go to www.puc.edu/scholarships