The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Gulf Coast Chapter, in conjunction with NDIA’s Targets, Ranges, and UAVs Division is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the annual Hugh Harris Scholarship Award.  The students were recognized at a luncheon hosted by Mr. Walter F. Spence on June 10th, 2010 at Rocky Bayou Country Club. Each recipient received a $1000.00 award.  The Scholarship was established in 1992 in honor of Mr. Harris who was a research and development engineer at Eglin AFB.  He was recognized throughout the Department of Defense and industry for his advanced ideas and contributions to the development of unmanned aerial target vehicle systems.

Mark Barrett, Niceville High School, graduated in the top 5% of a class of 510 students.  His list of accomplishments includes being a member of the National Honor Society and a 4-year member of the State Runner-up Football team.  He volunteered in numerous community service events including Relay for Life and assisting with the Katrina disaster in New Orleans.  He will be attending the University of Florida and pursuing a major in Civil Engineering.

Jordan Colclasure, Crestview High School, was Treasurer then President of the Key Club, President and Founder of the School Math Team, Jazz Ensemble First Chair (Piano) and volunteered with the Relay for Life and Special Olympics.  He graduated first in a class of 444 students and will be attending Yale University where he plans to major in Biomedical Engineering. 

Elizabeth Gallager, Fort Walton Beach High School, completed numerous Advanced Placement courses on her way to graduating in the top 2% of her class.  She was active in both school and community extracurricular activities including President of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Best of District Art Show, and PAWS Animal Shelter volunteer.  Elizabeth plans to major in Civil Engineering at Auburn University.

Lauren Meyers, Choctawhatchee High School, was a member of the International Baccalaureate Program, completed many AP courses and graduated in the top 2% of her class.  She was active in both school and community extracurricular activities including Symphonic Band, Soccer, and Nursing/Veterans’ Home visitations.  She will be attending the University of Florida where she plans to major in Pre-Med.

Benjamin Piburn, Choctawhatchee High School, was a National Honor Society President, AP Scholar with Distinction, Madrigals President, and Kids on Campus volunteer.  He graduated in the top 2% of his class with a score of 34 on the ACT test. Benjamin follows in the steps of his brother, Graham, who was also a Hugh Harris Scholarship winner.  He will be attending Vanderbilt University where he plans to major in Math and Computer Science.