Academy cadet named Truman Scholar

31 Mar 2004 |

A cadet is a Truman Scholar and has won a $26,000 scholarship. The Harry S. Truman Foundation officially announced its winners across the United States on March 30.

Cadet 2nd Class Andrew Sellers, a computer science major, earned the merit-based scholarship to attend a graduate or professional school.

The foundation provides college students with financial support for graduate study, leadership training and fellowship with other students who are committed to making a difference through public service, officials said.

They announced that 77 students from 67 U.S. colleges and universities have been selected as 2004 Truman Scholars. The students were elected by 20 independent selection panels on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability and the likelihood of “making a difference.”

The scholars were selected from among 609 candidates nominated by 300 colleges and universities, according to the foundation’s release. Each scholarship gives $26,000 -- $2,000 for the senior undergraduate year and $24,000 for graduate study. Because Cadet Seller’s undergraduate degree is at no cost to him, the $2,000 award can be applied toward educational purposes such as purchasing books or a computer or conducting research.

He will also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at a premier graduate institution where he will receive leadership training, career and graduate school counseling, and special internship opportunities within the federal government.

Congress established the foundation in 1975 as a federal memorial to America’s 33rd president.

Officials said Cadet Sellers joins 2,330 Truman Scholars elected since the first awards were made in 1977, and he is the 12th academy cadet to receive the award.