Press Announcement: February, 2001

Jennifer Erin Morris Memorial Scholarship

In this, our second year, the Jennifer Erin Morris Memorial Scholarship will again provide two $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors who have accomplished extraordinary achievements and who exhibit outstanding personal character.  The scholarship is national and brings together people from all over the US who have an extraordinary mix of outstanding character development, high academic achievement, Cheerleading ability and community service.  The application process begins in September and scholarships are awarded in February. The scholarship is open to varsity cheerleaders who have a minimum of a 3.4 GPA, who have a proven record of accomplishment and who are active in their schools and community.  People wishing to apply should contact us at 630-964-5286.

The scholarship was established to celebrate the memory of Jennifer Erin Morris, a Downers Grove, IL resident and student of South High, who was tragically killed in August, 1998 in an automobile accident.  The goal of the scholarship is to reward young people who exhibit the same outstanding character, academic achievement and athletic accomplishment that made Jennifer a true role model for high school age people.  Applicants are asked to provide a series of essays on topics designed to reveal their ethical and moral beliefs, their character and their goals for their lives.  The application process involves a comprehensive review of the essays to select 5 to 7 finalists.  The finalists are interviewed by members of the selection committee and the two recipients are selected based on these interviews. The result is the selection of  the best of the best – young cheerleaders with outstanding accomplishments, kindness, above average personal character and integrity.

It is my personal honor to announce this year’s recipients of the Jennifer Erin Morris Memorial Scholarship. The recipients are:

	Margie Miller, Fillmore Central High School in Geneva, Nebraska Margie has a 4.0 cumulative GPA, has been a member of Fillmore Central’s varsity cheerleading squad for four years and is currently head cheerleader.  She has also run cross country, played on the volleyball team, is active in band and chorus and works part time.  Margie is extremely active in her school, has won numerous cheerleading honors and is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council and “The Future Business Leaders of America..”  She also recently took first place in the Nebraska state speech competition in extemporaneous speaking. Margie plans to attend the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.
	Paige Armstrong, Pinewood Christian Academy in Bellville, Georgia Paige has a 4.0 cumulative GPA, has been a cheerleader for six years and a member of Pinewood’s varsity cheerleading squad for four years. She is also a member of an All Star cheer squad and she has won numerous awards and honors.  In addition, Paige has written sports articles for a local journal and Cheerhome.com.  She has been involved in softball, track, basketball and dancing and she is extremely active in her school and community. Paige plans to attend the University of South Carolina.

But, above all, both Margie and Paige have proven to exhibit the highest quality of character and exceptional kindness.  Both young ladies are truly role models among today’s high school students.

It is the combination of personal achievement and character traits that sets Margie and Paige apart from the crowd.  Many achieve academic excellence.  Many achieve athletic excellence.  Some achieve both.  But, few can claim to add high character to these accomplishments and a willingness to give of themselves to help others.  This is the real difference and the thing that will define the quality of their lives and their impact on the world in the future. 

Selecting the two recipients from a field of almost 45 outstanding young men and women was an extremely difficult undertaking for the scholarship selection committee.  The people who were able to meet the stringent application requirements in academics, cheerleading, community service and character, represent the best of the young people in the United States.  We have been honored to have had the opportunity to meet these people and to have been able to show them that their character and achievements are truly valued.

The scholarship is supported by people who volunteer their time and skills.  We would like to thank American Cheerleader Magazine, Cheerhome.com and NCA for their support and assistance in starting the scholarship foundation.

Jennifer Erin Morris Memorial Scholarship: 630-964-5286 or visit http://www.cheerscholarship.org/

Sponsored by Sports Nation Video