FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rebecca Worster of Harrison was selected as the 2001 Centennial Scholar from the state of Arkansas. The former North Arkansas College student, will study print journalism this fall at the University of Arkansas.

"I liked the diversity and the opportunities to participate in academic extracurricular activities," Worster said of her decision to attend the U of A.

At North Arkansas College, Worster was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and volunteered with the Boone County Hazardous Waste Roundup. She is also an amateur radio operator and hopes to join the UA Amateur Radio Club.

"The Worster family has a tradition of graduating from North Arkansas College in Harrison," said Maribeth Lynes, UA Director of Recruitment. "We are so pleased that Rebecca will continue that tradition at the University of Arkansas where she is bound to be a very successful student. We hope to see the Worster family name on Senior Walk."

Lynes hopes to recruit Worster’s brother, also an exceptional student, when he completes studies at North Arkansas College.

The Centennial Scholars Program is an initiative of Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society of the Two-Year College, in conjunction with the American Association of Community Colleges. The program commemorates the 100^th anniversary of the two-year college system.

A scholar was chosen from each state based on scores from the All-USA Academic Team competition, "a scholarship program recognizing scholarly achievements and leadership accomplishments of students enrolled in community, technical and junior colleges." Worster was the highest-scoring student from Arkansas. Each scholar received a $2,000 stipend from the Coca-Cola Foundation.

Worster is the daughter of Martin and Constance Worster of Harrison.