2009 Birmingham Scholars

Pictured left to right front row are:  Joseph Dudrow, Ashley Gustavson, Molly Jordan and Josh Stone.  Second row:  Rachel Durkee and Daniela Rodriguez.  Third row:  Stephanie Stephens and Chelsea Griffin.  Fourth row:  Stephanie Dickinson, Gerardo Bayona, Ben Repasky and Rachel Helfrich.  Fifth row:  Lya Swaner and Raye Harrington.  Sixth row:  Krystal Ruth, Noelle Defoe, Jessica Bogart and Ryan Johnson.  Back row:  Ethan Royster, Kevin Spillyards, Dillon Johnson and David Pollard.

This year's 22 Birmingham Scholars impressed and amazed the three area superintendents who served as interviewers and judges for the allocation of funds to the Class of 2009. Frisco ISD Superintendent Rick Reedy described the scholars as "all top tier students nationally" and shared that the final decisions were very difficult. Joining Dr. Reedy in the judging process were Dr. Phyllis Parker, Assistant Superintendent for Garland and Armenia Smith, Assistant Superintendent for Royse City.

Students wrote biographical essays and interviewed with the superintendents who evaluated their grades, SAT/ACT scores and extracurricular activities. All Birmingham Scholars must be in the top 20 percent of their class and of good moral character.

Students receiving $11,000 scholarships from the Pearl Birmingham Scholarship Fund are: Noelle Defoe, Stephanie Dickinson, Rachel Durkee, Ashley Gustavson, Dillon Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Molly Jordan, David Pollard, Ben Repasky, Kevin Spillyards and Josh Stone.  Those students receiving $1,500 awards are: Gerardo Bayona, Jessica Bogart, Joseph Dudrow, Chelsea Griffin, Raye Harrington, Rachel Helfrich, Daniela Rodriguez, Ethan Royster, Krystal Ruth, Stephanie Stephens and Lya Swaner.