DALLAS, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-three bright and talented students were added to an elite group of scholars when Texas Instruments Chairman, President and CEO, Rich Templeton recognized the 2011 recipients of the Jerry R. Junkins Memorial National Merit Scholarship® at a luncheon today at the company's headquarters in Dallas.
The scholarships, named in honor of TI's late chairman, president and CEO Jerry Junkins, are awarded to National Merit Scholarship Program finalists who are sons or daughters of active, retired or deceased TI employees. Since the scholarship program's inception in 1996, TI has given 262 scholarships amounting to more than $1 million.
"This year's winners are exceptionally sharp and highly driven, with accomplishments well beyond their excellent academic achievements," Templeton said. "They are also fine athletes, leaders, and community volunteers. I am especially impressed with their commitment to community service and their high level of maturity, inquisitiveness and compassion."
The 21 Texas students honored for their academic accomplishments this year are:
Suraj Bhuva of Plano, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science; Carolyn Bu of Plano, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science; Erika Clark of Rowlett, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science; Chloe Courtney of Dallas, Ursuline Academy; Mark Denker of Garland, Garland High School; Jennifer Ding of McKinney, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science; Casey Floren of Allen, Allen High School; Crystal Jain of Plano, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science; Julia Anne Kerwin of Plano; Plano East High School; Hollyann Myers of McKinney; McKinney Boyd High School; Yuxiao Quian of Plano, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science; Kelly Ren of Plano, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science; Antonio Rivera of Rowlett, Garland High School; Matthew Smith of Colleyville, Grapevine High School; Andrew Skaras of Richardson, Cistercian Preparatory School; Calvin Tsay of Plano, Plano West High School; Vanessa White of Allen, Allen High School; Allen Wu of Frisco, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science; April Yu of Austin, Westlake High School; Caroline Zhang of Plano, Plano High School and Brian Zhu of Plano, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science.
Honorees from other states include Oscar Li of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Emmaus High School and Natalie Snow of Gilbert, Arizona, Highland High School.
Each year, less than one percent of high school seniors nationwide achieve the status of National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist. Students are selected for the awards based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, academic record, leadership abilities, writing skills and extracurricular activities.
More than half of the 2011 Junkins Merit Scholars are pursuing degrees in engineering, science or math.
"These students possess a desire to make a difference in our world," Templeton said. "Their intelligence, energy and sense of goodwill give us great hope for the future of our industry, nation and society as a whole."
TI funds the scholarships in partnership with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a private, not-for-profit organization.
Jerry Junkins became TI's chairman in 1988 and served until his death in 1996. His passion for education helped create model Head Start programs in the Dallas Independent School District. He was also chairman of the Citizens Council Education Committee and fought for education reform in Texas schools by promoting measurement and accountability in the classroom. Sally Junkins, the wife of the late Mr. Junkins, assisted Mr. Templeton with the presentation of the awards.
Note to editor: Individual and group photos are available upon request.
Note to editor: Following is a listing of the honorees by state, high school and school district (where applicable):
TEXAS
Allen High School, Allen ISD
Casey Floren of Allen
Vanessa White of Allen
Cistercian Preparatory School, Irving
Andrew Skaras of Richardson
Garland High School, Garland ISD
Mark Denker of Garland
Antonio Rivera of Rowlett
Grapevine High School, Colleyville ISD
Matthew Smith of Colleyville
McKinney Boyd High School, McKinney ISD
Hollyann Myers of McKinney
Plano East Senior High School, Plano ISD
Julia Anne Kerwin of Plano
Plano Senior High School, Plano ISD
Caroline Zhang of Plano
Plano West Senior High School, Plano ISD
Calvin Tsay of Plano
Texas Academy of Math & Science, Denton
Suraj Bhuva of Plano
Carolyn Bu of Plano
Erika Clark of Rowlett
Jennifer Ding of McKinney
Crystal Jain of Plano
Yuxiao Quian of Plano
Kelly Ren of Plano
Allen Wu of Frisco
Brian Zhu of Plano
Ursuline Academy, Dallas
Chloe Courtney of Dallas
Westlake High School
April Yu of Austin
ARIZONA
Highland High School
Natalie Snow of Gilbert, AZ
PENNSYLVANIA
Emmaus High School
Oscar Li of Allentown, PA
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SOURCE Texas Instruments
