FLIPPIN, Ark. - The South Shore Foundation is awarding $1,000 scholarships to seven top academic scholars in the six South Shore area high schools this month, according to the president of the foundation, Steven G. Sanders. "The students who receive the South Shore Academic Scholarships are those at the top of their class academically, based upon their high school grade point average plus their college entrance exam test scores," Dr. Sanders said.

This year's recipients are: Bobby Don Birrer - Yellville-Summit School; Brett Wayne Gilbert - Omaha School; Leslie Janine Hyatt - Lead Hill School; Collette Denise Keymer - Bruno-Pyatt School; Abigail Lee Moser - Bergman School; and Steven Thompson and Leia Vandermast (tie), at Flippin School.

Bobby Don Birrer is the son of Randy and Reanell Birrer of Bruno. He is co-valedictorian of his Yellville-Summit High School graduating class and a National Merit Finalist. Birrer has won district FBLA honors in networking and technology concepts, and district and state FBLA honors in information processing concepts. He was named to Who's Who in FBLA. Birrer is an Eagle Scout. He has been active in Boy Scouts of America, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Yellville Environmental Awareness Club, and the First Baptist Church Youth Group. Birrer plans to attend Harding University at Searcy to study computer engineering.

Brett Wayne Gilbert is the son of Larry and Sharon Gilbert of Omaha. Gilbert has received academic awards at Omaha High School in chemistry, biology, physical science, earth science, world history, American history, Algebra I, pre-algebra, geometry, and won 4th in accounting in FBLA district competition. Gilbert played basketball and was a member of VICA, FBLA, and Beta Club. He plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and study accounting.
 
 

Leslie Janine Hyatt is the daughter of Lisa and David Hyatt of Lead Hill. She received academic achievement awards in Spanish I & II, U.S. History, advanced math, English II, and agri structures. Hyatt was in the Student Council and cheerleading and played softball. She was a member of Future Farmers of America, Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America, National Honor Society, and the gifted and talented program. Hyatt plans to attend North Arkansas College to study secondary English education.

Collette Denise Keymer is the daughter of Graham and Beverly Keymer of Pyatt. She received academic awards in keyboarding and American history, and earned the National History and Government Award. She is listed as an All-American Scholar and Who's Who Among American High School Students. Keymer participated in basketball, softball and track, the gifted and talented Challenge Program, Quiz Bowl, and was a member of FBLA FHA. Keymer plans to attend North Arkansas College to study radiologic technology.