Released: June 30, 1999
Centre announces recipients of top merit scholarships
DANVILLE, KY- Centre College announced this week the names of six students who are the recipients of the three highest merit scholarships offered to incoming first-year students. They are Benjamin J. Beaton of Paducah, designated as a President's Scholar; Brendan C. Adkins of Richmond, a Grissom Scholar; and four Dean's Scholars: Bridget Anne Johnston of Cincinnati; Nathaniel R. Kissel of Montgomery, Ala.; Tara Metts of Louisville; and Jennifer Patterson of Louisville.
The merit scholarships have four-year values that range from $40,000 to $64,200. In addition to these merit awards, the college awarded many other scholarships to students who had achieved outstanding high school records. All recipients were chosen on the basis of overall strength of high school preparation, scores on college entrance examinations, extracurricular activities and interests, and personal interviews. In the past year, Centre awarded more than $3 million in merit scholarships and $4.5 million in need-based assistance.
Beaton is a 1999 graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School, where he was salutatorian and recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award. He received first place in the Murray State chemistry tournament and was named to the Louisville Courier-Journal Sectional Academic All State Team. A gifted athlete and musician, Beaton earned all-region honors in soccer, and his vocal group, Prime Rib, produced a compact disc and won national awards.
Adkins is a 1999 graduate of Madison Central High School, where he was a National Merit Scholar and a semifinalist for the Presidential Scholars program. He was chosen for the Governor's Scholars Program and was an alternate representative to the Governor's School for the Arts. Adkins received a Commonwealth Diploma and was chosen for the Toyota Manufacturing Kentucky Exchange Scholarship.
Johnston is a 1999 graduate of the Madeira School, where she was salutatorian. She received the Nadine Wilson Memorial Scholarship and the Madeira Schools Foundation Scholarship. Johnston also was honored with the Madden Award as outstanding female athlete after serving as captain of the soccer team and a letter-winner in track. She has published poetry, was named to "Who's Who" and received high honors on the National Latin Exam.
Kissel is a 1999 graduate of Trinity Presbyterian School, where he received the 1999 Community Service Award. Active in community service, he was honored as a "Point of Light" by the Points of Light Foundation for his work to improve literacy in Montgomery. Kissel also received the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award and the Presidential Spirit of Community Award. He was a representative to Alabama Boys' State.
Metts is a 1999 graduate of Seneca High School and was class valedictorian. She was chosen for the Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program and served as newspaper editor. Metts also was captain of the mock trial and debate team, and she was runner-up in the Louisville Junior Miss scholastic competition. Metts was named a Jefferson Fellow and was vice president of the National Honor Society.
Patterson is a 1999 graduate of Dupont Manual Magnet High School, where she ranked first in the class and was a National Merit Scholar. She received the Scholar-Athlete Award, was an All-American Scholar and was voted most well-rounded senior by her peers. Patterson played varsity basketball and fast pitch softball, winning honors in both. She was a member of the Louisville Lady Sluggers, winning three NSA Kentucky State Championships. Patterson does volunteer work for a number of community organizations.
Centre College is a coeducational institution ranked among the 50 best liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report. During the past 50 years, Centre has had more Rhodes Scholars than any other college or university in Kentucky.
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Communications Office
Centre College
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Danville, KY 40422
Coordinator of Public Information: Patsi Barnes Trollinger
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