From the Duke News Service

June 11, 2001

Ten recent high school graduates have been selected winners of the prestigious Benjamin N. Duke scholarships, which are undergraduate merit awards at Duke University.

The 2001 B.N. Duke Leadership Scholarship winners were chosen from among 30 finalists. The awards cover full tuition, as well as a strong in-school leadership program to enhance their studies. The awards are presented annually by a faculty committee to students from North and South Carolina who demonstrate strong academic performance, outstanding leadership ability and community involvement. Based on estimated tuition rates, this scholarship is worth more than $100,000 to a student enrolled for four years. This year's scholarship recipients are:

Allison Grace Brim of Charlotte. Daughter of Donna and Thomas Brim, Allison Brim was one of 200 students selected to attend the United Nations negotiations on the Kyoto Treaty. She co-founded a school chapter of the group "Free the Planet!," a national student environmental activist group. She has also worked as a canvasser and campaign coordinator for the Fund for Public Interest Research. She lettered in women's softball at Myers Park High School and is active in her church.

Rika Blondene Dixon of Charlotte. Dixon, daughter of Karen and Richard Dixon, was a Girls State Representative and National Honor Society member at Harding University High School. She was selected for the CNN Student Bureau and Student Advisory Group on Education. She has also been a competitive dancer and cheerleader and served as president of her church's youth group. Dixon's academic interests include psychology and biology.

Ryan Andrew Kennedy of Greenville, S.C. Kennedy, son of Ida and John Kennedy, was co-president of his student body at Mauldin High School. He was president of the National Honor Society chapter and played on the varsity tennis team. Kennedy was honored with the Rotary Student of the Month and Youth Leadership Award. At Duke he plans to pursue his interests in government and Spanish.

Aparna Krishnaswamy of Simpsonville, S.C. Krishnaswamy, daughter of Mahalakshmi and Mahadevan Krishnaswamy, was co-captain of the debate team at Southside High School. She also was a member of the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society and the girls tennis team, as well as a delegate to Girls State. She also served as president of the American Red Cross Youth Group and was a member of Youth in Government, a YMCA-sponsored program. At Duke she plans to pursue her interests in biochemistry and political science.

Philip Jacob Kurian of North Charleston, S.C. Son of Sarah and Jacob Kurian, Philip Kurian started a Habitat for Humanity club at Academic Magnet High School. He also was president of student government at the school, lettered on the tennis team, played trumpet in the All-State Band and was selected to the All-State math team. At Duke he plans to pursue his interests in chemistry, Spanish and political science.

Scott Andrew Lemmon of Charlotte. Lemmon, son of John and Susan Lemmon, has been involved in theater and the drama club at East Mecklenburg High School. He was also a member of the school's chapters of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society, in addition to being active in his church. At Duke he plans to pursue his interests in history and Spanish.

Monica Elizabeth Lemmond of Clover, S.C. Lemmond, daughter of Lenore and Michael Lemmond, was president of the student body at Clover High School. She was also involved in the school choir, chamber singers, theater, the YMCA-sponsored Youth in Government and varsity track and soccer. She received the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award for her community service. Lemmond's academic interests include biological sciences and pre-medicine.

Jacob Joseph Roberts of Midland. Roberts, son of Michael and Michele Roberts, was a member of the student council at Central Cabarrus High School and was active in several community service activities, including Blue Jeans for Babies, Adopt-a-Highway, Special Olympics and the Salvation Army Christmas appeal. He lettered in football and basketball, and was a member of the National Honor Society and Math Club. At Duke he plans to pursue his interests in law, medicine, business and finance.

Jordan Taylor Stringer of Greenville. Stringer, son of John and Mary Stringer, was a delegate to N.C. Governor's School from J.H. Rose High School. He also attended the Hugh O'Brian State and World Leadership Congresses. He lettered in tennis and was a member of the Interact Club. He has also been active in his church's youth group and volunteered to help at the Greenville Disadvantaged Boys' Camp. At Duke he plans to pursue his interests in communications, law, political science and English.

Lauren Virginia Williams of Chapel Hill. Williams, daughter of Dawn Virginia Jarvis and George Lee Williams, scored seventh in the nation on the National French Exam. The East Chapel Hill High School graduate was named MVP of the tennis team and also competed in track and field. Williams, who was listed in Who's Who, also was copy editor for the school yearbook and was involved in Habitat for Humanity, the Junior Civitans and church activities. She also volunteered at the Exploris children's museum in Raleigh. At Duke she plans to pursue her interests in French, history and biology.

The scholarships were established by The Duke Endowment to honor Benjamin N. Duke, who provided major support to Trinity College and later Duke University.

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