Ron Brown Scholar Program Names 2008 Scholarship Recipients

Twenty of 5,600+ Applicants Join Ranks of Prestigious African-American Scholar Program

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Ron Brown Scholar Program, the nation's leading scholarship program for African-American youth, today announced its 2008 class of Scholars. Of the more than 5,600 applications received this year, only 20 were awarded this honor.

Founded in 1996 and named in honor of the first African-American Secretary of Commerce, the Ron Brown Scholar Program provides students with the financial resources to attend some of the finest colleges and universities in the country, in addition to promoting outstanding service opportunities for the next generation of promising African-American leaders.

"Each year, I am continually impressed by the thousands of students who apply to become Ron Brown Scholars," said Michael Mallory, executive director of the Ron Brown Scholar Program. "This year's group of finalists is one of our strongest classes ever, with more than half scheduled to graduate in the top one or two percent of their class. These gifted young people all bring unique backgrounds and personal experiences to the Program but all share spectacular achievements in academics and a profound commitment to using their education experiences for the benefit of their communities and society as a whole."

Ron Brown Scholars are selected on the basis of demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, social commitment and financial need. Some key highlights of the program include:

-- More than half of Ron Brown Scholars attend Ivy League universities;

-- Two Ron Brown Scholars were elected to be the First Marshals of their Harvard University graduating classes, considered the highest honor bestowed upon an undergraduate;

-- One Ron Brown Scholar has been selected as a Truman Scholar and two Ron Brown Scholars have been selected as finalists for the Rhodes Scholarship;

-- Ron Brown Scholars dedicate themselves to enriching lives in their local communities and worldwide. For example, nine Ron Brown Scholars have conducted AIDS research and community service with the Institute of Human Virology;

-- With a 100% graduation rate, Ron Brown Scholars go on to succeed in a variety of leadership positions. From finance executives and top lawyers, to award-winning playwrights and Supreme Court Justice clerks, they have published books and documentaries, appeared as expert guests on radio and television, and been invited as speakers to numerous international conferences.

Applicants must proceed through a highly competitive selection process against thousands of other qualified candidates, culminating in an invitation to spend a weekend in Washington, D.C. for the final round of interviews. Up to twenty winners are chosen at the conclusion of this weekend where they are formally introduced as lifelong members of the Ron Brown Scholar Program family.

"The selection process is rigorous, and each year the applicant pool grows in numbers and potential," said Robert Binswanger, former Dartmouth professor and Selection Committee member. "It is increasingly difficult to select only twenty Ron Brown Scholars, and I consider it an honor to meet these inspiring young people."

The 2008 Ron Brown Scholars are:

-- Derrick Asiedu, Nanuet, NY, Spring Valley High School

-- Jocelyn T. Bell, Pittsburgh, PA, Woodland Hills High School

-- Peter A. Boyce, II, Bronx, NY, Stuyvesant High School

-- Dora I. Duru, Lynwood, CA, California Academy of Math & Science

-- Raymond D. Grissom, Austell, GA, Campbell High School

-- Kani M. Keita, Miami, FL, Miami Killian Senior High School

-- Osha Kondori, Washington, VA, Rappahannock County High School

-- Christopher M. Lyle, Ocean Springs, MS, Ocean Springs High School

-- Daren W. Miller, St. Petersburg, FL, St. Petersburg High School

-- Ethan G. Monreal-Jackson, Frisco, TX, Frisco High School

-- Desiree C. Montgomery, Lakeland, FL, Kathleen Senior High School

-- Diana A. Ofosu, San Antonio, TX, Communications Arts High School

-- Bradley D. Pough, Deltona, FL, Deland High School

-- Amanda M. Reid, Flagstaff, AZ, Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy

-- William K. Stone, Jersey City, NJ, The Lawrenceville School

-- William A. Tarpeh, Alexandria, VA, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

-- Christopher J. Taylor, Blythewood, SC, Blythewood High School

-- Kiah C. M. Thorn, Fort Worth, TX, All Saints' Episcopal School

-- Ryan O. Williams French, Riverside, CA, Riverside Poly High School

-- Briana L. Wong, Kent, WA, Kentridge High School

For biographical information on the Scholars or more information about the Ron Brown Scholar Program, visit http://www.ronbrown.org.

About the Ron Brown Scholar Program

Named for the late Secretary of Commerce and inspired by his dedication to public service, the Ron Brown Scholar Program was established in 1996 to provide academic scholarships, service opportunities and leadership experiences for young African Americans of outstanding promise. The Program seeks to accelerate their progress into the mainstream of leadership positions in business, education, government and a wide spectrum of professions, while instilling a dedication to leadership and service.