The Park Scholarships program at NC State University has announced 105 Finalists for the fifteenth class of Park Scholars. The Finalists for the Class of 2014 were selected from among over 1,300 candidates.

These outstanding young women and men were named Finalists following interviews conducted by 200 Park Scholar and NC State alumni from across North Carolina and the United States. Candidates were chosen for their exceptional potential in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

“The Park Scholarships Selection Committee had an exceptionally difficult task this year, to identify this group of Finalists from the biggest pool of applicants we’ve ever had,” said Eva Holcomb, director of the Park Scholarships program. “The Finalists represent a tremendous variety of backgrounds and interests, yet they all share a common passion for improving the world in which they live. These students have the ability and determination to tackle some of the most pressing problems their generation will face; they are well-suited for the opportunities the Park Scholarships program provides to help develop their potential.”

Finalists will participate in selection activities during Finalist Weekend at the Dorothy and Roy Park Alumni Center at NC State, scheduled for February 19-20, 2010. During their time on campus, Finalists will be hosted by Chancellor Jim Woodward along with faculty, administrators, alumni, and current Park Scholars. Finalists will be offered at least a $10,000 scholarship to NC State.

The Class of 2014 will be announced in early March.

The Park Scholarships are named for the late Roy H. Park, a 1931 NC State alumnus who created the charitable Park Foundation. The Park Foundation, based in Ithaca, New York, provides support for programs across the nation related to higher education, media, and the environment.

The Park Scholarships program provides a superb educational opportunity for talented and well-prepared individuals to develop leadership skills and a commitment to public service. Each year, approximately 50 scholarships are awarded, with two-thirds to North Carolina residents, to outstanding high school seniors for undergraduate study in any discipline. For more information about Park Scholarships, click here: Park Scholarships

A list of the Park Scholarships Class of 2014 Finalists is available in PDF format here: Finalists