South Shore scholars from area high schools gather at ASUMH These are the first students in a new cooperative study project underway through Arkansas State University Mountain Home, funded by the South Shore Foundation. Students from Lead Hill and Omaha are pictured along with their high school sponsors. Front row, from left: Dr. Eddie Dry (project director), Donna Macri and Renee Clemmons (Omaha sponsors), Heather Jones, Megan Nutter, Celia Proctor, Heather Fason, Lacey LeBleu, Bridget Johnson, Caren Buckley, Crista Hermann, Rachel Reeves, Mary Milligan, Deloris Smith (Lead Hill sponsor). Back row, from left: B.J. King, James Ledgard, Grant Rivera, Keagan Chaney, Alex Parker, Jesse Courtney, Nathan Chaney, Justin Moug, Tony Perriman, and Josh Rand. Not pictured is Omaha student Jana Sinclair.

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. - Arkansas State University Mountain Home is reaching out to high school students in a new program called the South Shore Developing Scholars Project. Now in its first year under the leadership of Dr. Eddie Dry, assistant professor of biology, 21 high school students from Lead Hill and Omaha schools are working on six research projects. Topics under study have titles such as "Fishy Business" and "Mosquitoes 2 Go."

Dr. Dry said that when he proposed the Developing Scholars Project for funding, he thought the students would do independent research projects. But, as it turns out, they are working in groups. "The students wanted to work in groups, and in hindsight, I think that is a fantastic idea," Dry said.

Overall, the first year of the project is on schedule. Students met in early December with their mentors at ASUMH, and will have critiques of their projects in February and March. Projects are to be completed and submitted to ASUMH in mid-late April when a project fair is planned so the public may observe the students' work.

Goals of the Developing Scholars Project include: familiarizing the students with the many and different ways telecommunications technology can be used; letting students explore economic and environmental issues that may affect them in north Arkansas, familiarizing students with a college campus; and encouraging students to continue their education after high school.

Students taking part in the Developing Scholars Project have guidance from a teacher in their own high school and an ASUMH instructor as they create projects, conduct research, and prepare their findings for presentation to South Shore Foundation trustees and the public in the format of a Project Fair in the spring. Finished projects will be evaluated in subject matter, creativity, and how closely the projects follow the mission of South Shore. Tuition discounts to ASUMH or other college-related items will be awarded for the most outstanding projects.

The students from Lead Hill and Omaha are "pretty excited about these projects," Dr. Dry said. "I think the success of this year will advertise for next year." He said he will adjust the time- line in notifying schools of the South Shore Developing Scholars Project for next school year. Schools that are eligible to participate are located in Marion County and a portion of Boone County.

For more information about the South Shore Developing Scholars Project, contact Dr. Dry at Arkansas State University Mountain Home, (870) 508-6100 or 508-6146. South Shore is the charitable foundation of NATCO. It promotes telecommunications technology for projects of educational advancement, environmental preservation, economic development and community betterment. To learn more about the foundation, contact South Shore Foundation at 800-775-6682.