Cameron University has named 28 freshmen Presidential Leaders & University Scholars (PLUS) for the 2009-10 academic year. The PLUS program, now in its 29^th year, is designed to reward students who have demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding leadership capabilities while in high school and to teach these students skills that will prepare them for dynamic leadership roles in their respective careers.

"We are happy to recognize these outstanding students as PLUS scholars," says Jennifer Holland, Dean of Student Services and past participant in the program. "It is gratifying to witness leadership skills developing as PLUS students progress through the program."

This year's recipients come from across Oklahoma and combine a breadth of leadership and community service experiences. In addition to receiving scholarship packages worth more than $20,000, students selected for the program take part in a four-year leadership development program aimed at developing excellent citizens and professionals.

 
CU's 2009-10 first-year PLUS scholars kicked off the Fall 2009 semester with a retreat at Camp Y-Shua. 

Students are chosen each year based on an application process that focuses on leadership experience, involvement in the community, grade point average, ACT/SAT scores, an essay on the topic of leadership and a formal interview.

PLUS scholars receive leadership training that helps them make the transition from high school to college, learn leadership theory, communication skills, group dynamics and problem solving. In later years of the program, the focus shifts to presentation skills and preparation for beginning a career with such workshops as résumé writing, interviewing and making wise career decisions.

The 2009-10 PLUS class members who have authorized release of their names are listed by hometown and graduating high school. Each student's intended area of study is also included.

Cache

Leah Mazur, Theatre and Foreign Languages

Jake McClellan, Computer Science and Mathematics

Anna White, Biology

Elgin

Chad Hagermann, Psychology

Cody McLaird, Biology

Britany Pyfer, Chemistry

Hydro-Eakly

Elise Christensen, Mathematics  

Kingston

Allison Stottlemyre, Biology

Lawton Academy of Arts and Sciences

Carl Foutz, Biology

Lawton Christian:

James Gardner, Physical Education

Rebecca Selstad, Psychology

Lawton Eisenhower

Alisha Ashouri, Business

Amanda Bell, English Education

Ryan LaSorsa, Biology

Lawton High

Natasha Campbell, Political Science and Speech Communication

Bethany Heinen, Elementary Education

Alexander Rosa- Figueroa, English

Whitney Williams, Business Marketing and Advertising

Lawton MacArthur

Kelsy Hebert, Biology

Kayla Pacheco, Marketing

Snyder

Bryce Geiger, Chemistry and Biology

Seth Geiger, Chemistry

Trevor Geiger, Business and Finance

Emily McKee, Political Science

Amber Spurlin, Undecided

Temple

Heather Bivins, Undecided

Tipton

 Lutricia White, Undecided

Walters

Vanessa Karpe, Undecided

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September 2, 2009
PR# 09-184