West Virginia Wesleyan and West Virginia Radio Corporation will partner again to sponsor the American Scholar competition. This is the fourth year of the scholarship program, which is open to seniors from north central West Virginia. Other American Scholar sponsors are G & S Cellular, Dr. Jerry Shepherd, DDS Family Dentistry, Exit 132 Pontiac Buick GMC, and Shoney’s.

The winner will receive a four-year tuition and fees scholarship, valued at $90,000 to attend Wesleyan. The first runner-up will receive a $5,000 four-year renewable award, while the second runner-up will be awarded $2,500. Runner-up awards will be added to other Wesleyan scholarships. The three previous American Scholar winners are Kate Turner of Liberty High School, Jennifer Collins of Ritchie County, and Marissa Pulice of Fairmont Senior.

“This is a wonderful scholarship opportunity that allowed me to attend my first-choice college,” noted Kate Turner, the first American Scholar winner. “I have enjoyed an incredible college experience and am moving closer to a medical-related career.”

“Winning the American Scholar was a dream come true,” added Jennifer Collins, the 2008 winner. “The entire competition was so affirming and I gained so much self-confidence. Every student who has the dream of pursuing a great small-college educational experience should pursue this opportunity.”

Students from Barbour, Braxton, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Ritchie, Taylor, 5Tucker, and Upshur Counties are eligible for the scholarship competition. Students can apply online beginning October 5th, at www.wvmagic.com or submit a paper application to West Virginia Wesleyan’s Office of Admission. Scholarship candidates are required to send Wesleyan their high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores. All application materials must be submitted before December 1st. 2009.

Twenty-five semi-finalists will be selected from the applicant pool and from that group, twelve finalists will be chosen. The online voting component of the competition will be held during the month of January.

“The American Scholar Program provides opportunities for every student who applies for the scholarship,” noted Dr. Pamela Balch, president of Wesleyan. “Our admission staff ensures that every competitor receives information about every scholarship offered at the College. The program is designed to be a life-changing opportunity, not just for the winner, but for every applicant. Our partnership with Magic 106.5 and our other sponsors have created one of the most unique scholarship programs in the nation.”

“In the fourth year of the American Scholar competition, we continue to see the fruit of the seeds that were planted in the initial year of the program,” said John Halford, executive director and sales manager of the West Virginia Radio Corporation. “We are changing lives, providing opportunities, and opening doors. The purpose and goals for this program are being realized through everyone’s commitment to serve others.”