By Kellie Cobb

JONESBORO — The Arkansas State University “prize patrol” made its rounds Monday giving Northeast Arkansas students some very good news.

The prize patrol was awarding the university’s highest and most prestigious scholarship, the University Honors Scholarship.

This is the first year for the prize patrol, which includes representatives from the Honors College, the Office of Admissions and other campus dignitaries who surprised scholarship recipients in their classrooms Monday.

“It’s been fun for us, and I think it’s been very exciting for the students,” said Rebecca Oliver, director of student services for the Honors College.

Monday they visited Valley View, Nettleton, Jonesboro and Westside schools.

Availability

The University Honors College Scholarship is available to incoming freshman. Eligible students must have a 29 or higher composite score on the ACT and maintain a 3.5 grade point average in high school.

“Over two-thirds of the students had a 30 or higher on the ACT, and 57 percent of the students had a 4.0 grade point average,” Oliver said. “It’s very competitive.”

The 4-year scholarship pays full tuition and fees, room and board and a $1,200 stipend for the year. More than 35 scholarships were awarded.

“It’s valued between $50,000 and $60,000,” said Dr. Gil Fowler, associate dean of the Honors College.

Last week the prize patrol visited Brookland, Greene County Tech and Crowley’s Ridge Academy. They will also visit Newport, Bald Knob and Wynne this week.

kb@jonesborosun.com