Contact: Scott Darnell, 505-326-5930 Media Contact: Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 505-277-5915

July 15, 2002 DAILY TIMES COLUMNIST NAMED UNM REGENTS' SCHOLAR Scott Darnell, Farmington Daily Times youth perspective columnist, is one of 14 recipients of the University of New Mexico Regents' Scholarship, the most prestigious of all scholarships awarded at UNM. Established in the 1989, the scholarship is designed to attract the brightest students in the state and nation. Darnell recently graduated at the top of his class from Piedra Vista High School. "Achieving academic success is a necessary stepping stone to the future. I've always held it as the highest priority," he says. He was president of the National Honor Society and captain of the cross-country team his senior year, while as a freshman, he served as editor in chief of the school newspaper. Darnell was Knowledge Bowl coordinator for two bowls and participated in Science Fair. He earned first place in the National History Day Competition regionally. Among the recipients of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Award in 2001, he says sports serve as the "best stress reliever." He lettered in basketball and is now one of the youngest varsity officials in the state. As a columnist, he tackles the toughest topics of the times - war on terror, civil liberties, abstinence and the death penalty. "My political thought has generated much criticism and praise within the letters to the editor section of the newspaper. I love it when people disagree with my views - I hate it when they tell me I do not have the right to an opinion," he noted in his scholarship application. Son of Dan and Beth Darnell of Farmington, his ultimate goal is every parent's dream. "I really want to be president of the United States," he says. First he plans to major in political science and minor in economics at UNM. The Regent's Scholarship includes tuition, books and fees, room and board, and is renewable for eight semesters provided the student meets specific renewal requirements. The scholarship is valued at approximately $8,000 per year. Regents' Scholars typically take part in innovative, exciting programs. Mentorship by UNM's outstanding faculty is provided and students are admitted to the University Honors Program where they receive specialized advisement and course registration privileges. ###

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