FOR RELEASE CONTACT: Henry Duvall July 27, 2010 (202) 3932427 or
[email protected] Council of the Great City Schools Announces Math and Science Scholars ExxonMobil and Dr. Bernard Harris present innercity students with scholarships • ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarships encourage pursuit of high tech careers • Scholarships created to reach minority students in 65 of the nation’s largest urban school districts • Awards named in honor of Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr., the first African American to walk in space WASHINGTON, July 27 The Council of the Great City Schools has named four high school graduates as the inaugural winners of the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarships. The awards are given annually to four students, two African American and two Hispanics attending one of the largest urban school districts in America, to encourage their pursuit of technologyrelated degrees. The scholarships are named after former NASA astronaut, Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., who came from humble beginnings to become the first African American to walk in space, a physician and businessman. The winners were selected from more than 400 applicants and are being awarded on their academic successes and future plans as well as their leadership and civic responsibility. Sarah Edris from Dallas, Texas, Leangelo Hall from Homestead, Florida, Anthony Miller from Lutz, Florida, and Laura Montoya from Albuquerque, New Mexico, will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to continue their education in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. “ExxonMobil is pleased to join with the Council of the Great City Schools to create these scholarships to honor Dr.