April 24, 2006	Volume 5, Number 13

120 students earn All-State Scholars honor

Student academic excellence will take center stage on April 30 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, as Wisconsin recognizes 120 students as All-State Scholars.

“Students who have excelled at their academic studies deserve recognition and praise for their efforts,” said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. “However, along with honoring our All-State Scholars, we commend the scholars’ families and teachers. Their parents provided encouragement and supported the efforts of our state’s professional educators. Teachers provided the quality learning experiences that contributed to the success of these students.”

Public and private high school principals throughout the state nominated seniors for consideration in the All-State Scholars program. A representative committee appointed by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators chose winners from among nominees in each of the state’s eight congressional districts. Selection of the All-State Scholars was based primarily on students’ overall high school grade point average and ACT or SAT scores. In the event of a tie, judges considered student statements, extracurricular activities, and leadership.

Scholars will receive the federal Robert C. Byrd honors scholarship of $1,500, which may be renewed for an additional three years if students maintain satisfactory enrollment with their chosen college and if the federal government provides funding.

Founded in 1986 by Robert Spiegel, then editor of the Wisconsin State Journal, the All-State Scholars program was one of the first of its kind in the nation to recognize students for dedication to their academic studies. The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators’ Wisconsin Foundation for Educational Administration, Wisconsin State Journal, Wisconsin Education Association Council, and Department of Public Instruction are program sponsors.

Harold Scheub of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and one of the world’s leading scholars of African folktales will address the All-State Scholars during the awards program. Other participants in the program include Tom Beattie, executive director of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators; Scott Milfred, editorial page editor for the Wisconsin State Journal; Linnae Riesen, writer for the Wisconsin Education Association Council; and Mike Thompson, executive assistant to the state superintendent of public instruction.

A list of the 2006 All-State Scholars by congressional district is available following the complete press release.

Last updated on 4/24/2006