FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Eight Arkansas high school seniors will attend the University of Arkansas this fall after receiving prestigious Bodenhamer Fellowships. This brings the total number of Bodenhamer Fellows to 66 since the awards were first presented.

Bodenhamer Fellowships provide up to $50,000 for four years of study or up to $62,500 for five years if the student is pursuing an accredited five-year degree program. The fellowship covers tuition and fees, room and board, the purchase of books and supplies, and additional benefits of the student’s choice, such as study abroad, attendance at professional and educational conferences, research and special equipment.

The Bodenhamer Foundation, acting through its trustee, Lee Bodenhamer (B.S.B.A. 1957, M.B.A. 1961), established the Bodenhamer Fellowships at the University of Arkansas in 1998. The Bodenhamer Foundation requests that the fellowships be awarded to students in the freshman class entering in the fall semester.

Gary Standridge, special assistant to the chancellor, has directed the Bodenhamer Fellowship Program since it began in 1998. “I greatly enjoy working with these remarkable students. Each year I am convinced that the incoming class is the best we have seen, and this year is no exception. These talented students make special contributions to the classroom and to the campus. Bodenhamer Fellows have received national attention as Barry Goldwater, Truman, Morris Udall, and Marshall Scholars. They have become scientists, politicians, teachers and much more. I look forward to working with this new class. They have amazing potential, and it will be a pleasure to watch that potential take shape, developing into good things for our university and our state.”

This month Dr. Lee Bodenhamer will treat the incoming Bodenhamer Fellows to a five-day trip to Washington, D.C. The students usually tour the Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress and the Holocaust Museum, as well as several other significant landmarks. The new fellows will be accompanied by anthropology faculty member Steve Striffler and Karon Reese, a doctoral candidate in English.

Andrew “Drew” Avery of Rogers, Ark., graduated from Rogers High School and is a National Merit Finalist. Avery graduated as an AP Scholar with Honor. He was also a Presidential Scholars Award Nominee. Avery participated in football and baseball. His academic interests include biological and biomedical engineering, and he plans to attend medical school. Avery is the son of Randy and Monica Avery of Rogers.

Charles “Chuck” Ballard of Moro, Ark., graduated first in his class at Lee Academy in Marianna, Ark., where he participated in football, baseball and track. He is a peer tutor and volunteers his time for Arts in the Park, anti-drug programs and blood drives. His academic interests include exercise science and biochemistry. Ballard is the son of Charles and Terri Ballard of Moro.

Adam Barito of Arkadelphia, Ark., graduated first in his class at Arkadelphia High School.  He participated in advanced placement courses while at Arkadelphia High School and was active in swimming and cross country. He taught Spanish to local first graders and helped with a fund drive for tsunami relief. Barito is planning to major in mechanical engineering and is the son of Tom and Barbara Barito of Arkadelphia.

Mattie Miller-Bookhout of North Little Rock, Ark., graduated first in her class at North Little Rock High School and participated in the international baccalaureate program there. Miller-Bookhout won first place in the T-Tauri Film Festival, second place in Eureka Springs Film Festival, and a nomination for the 2005 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival for “Arkansas’ Forgotten,” a documentary about the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II in Southeast Arkansas. Her academic interests include engineering and international business. Miller-Bookhout is the daughter of Robert and Robin Bookhout of North Little Rock.

Holly Jackson of Fayetteville, Ark., graduated from Fayetteville High School and is a National Merit Finalist. Jackson participated in several advanced placement courses offered at Fayetteville High School. She also worked part-time as a research assistant for the poultry science department at the University of Arkansas and also at ChemGen. Jackson is interested in majoring in pre-medicine and is the daughter of Mark and Carole Jackson of Fayetteville.

Kristina “Tina” Korbe of Springdale, Ark., graduated first in her class from Springdale High School and is a National Merit Finalist. Korbe won several awards: AP Scholar with Distinction, Girls Nation, Girls State and Top 10 finalist in Miss Teen Arkansas-America. She lettered in golf and attended National History Day, a competition in Washington, D.C.  Her academic interests include journalism, political science, English and history. Korbe is the daughter of Greg and Lois Korbe of Springdale.

Spencer Lucker of Little Rock, Ark., graduated from Little Rock Central High School.  Spencer is an Eagle Scout and attended Boys State and Central Arkansas Regional Science Fair.  He swims competitively on the Little Rock Laser Swim Team. Lucker participated in community service projects with the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute, CARTI Kids, the Mayor’s Youth Council, American Red Cross Rapid Response and the Knowing Our Past Foundation. He plans to earn a degree in International Relations and Political Science. Lucker is the son of Liz Lucker of Little Rock.

Caitlin Williams of Conway, Ark., graduated from Conway High School and is a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar with Distinction. She also attended Arkansas Governor’s School in Natural Science and participated in Conway High School Band as senior girl captain.  She served her community by working in the Community Action Program for Central Arkansas food pantry, peer tutoring and serving as a translator at the National Kidney Found of Arkansas booth at the Encuentro Hispano Health Fair. Her academic interests include biology, chemistry, math, foreign language, and international relations. Williams is the daughter of Greg and Doris Williams of Conway.