Manila seniors receive distinguished scholarships. Pictured are, from left: Andy Fleeman, Nathan Robbins, Michael Stone and Jessica Fleeman. (Town Crier photo/Revis Blaylock) [Click to enlarge]

A Governors Scholarship is awarded to each county throughout the state and the 2008 Mississippi County recipient is Jessica Fleeman, daughter of Charlie and Pam Fleeman. The scholarship is valued at $16,000.

Three Manila seniors, Nathan Robbins, Michael Stone, and Andy Fleeman, received Governors Distinguished Scholarships, worth $40,000 each.

Seventy-five Governor's Scholarships are presented and 300 Governor's Distinguished Scholarships are awarded each year.

Jessica, a honor graduate, plans on attending Ouachita Baptist University and major in biology and chemistry. She plans on going into medicine.

Nathan, the son of Rick and Tami Robbins, plans on attending the Honors College of University of Central Arkansas. He plans on majoring in history and wants to teach at a university.

Michael, the son of Billy Stone and Wendie Bennett, plans on attending the Honors College at UCA. He plans on majoring in chemistry or pre-med.

One hundred honors scholarships are awarded at UCA.

Andy, son of Randy and Lena Fleeman, plans on attending the University of Arkansas and majoring in biology in pre-dental track. Andy said he decided to go into dentistry several years ago and is ready to pursue his goal.

All three students agreed the advanced placement classes they have taken helped in preparing them for the ACT testing and Honors Program.

"We have some very good teachers at Manila," Nathan said.

They have worked hard throughout their high school years.

"We haven't had any slack time," Jessica said.

High school counselor Angie Gipson said to have four students receive the statewide scholarships is outstanding. This is the second consecutive year a Manila senior has received the Governor's Scholarship.

To qualify for the Governor's Scholarship a student must have a score of 27 or better on their ACT and to qualify for the Governor's Distinguished Scholarship a student must of a 32 or better ACT.