Pitner chosen for Gates Scholarship

After winning a tough tennis match on Friday, Lake Roosevelt student Rylee Pitner, to her delight, checked her email to see she had been selected for a Gates Scholarship.

The scholarship, given by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is given out to 300 students each year, nationwide, and will provide funding for Pitner's next five years of college.

Pitner intends to study animal sciences at Washington State University.

The website for the scholarship, http://www.thegatesscholarship.org, describes the scholarship as "a highly selective, full scholarship for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority, high school seniors ... with intent of promoting their academic excellence through college graduation, and providing them the opportunity to reach their full potential."

"Scholars will receive," the website continues, "funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

"This prestigious scholarship program is based on evidence that by eliminating the financial barriers to college, an all-expenses-paid scholarship can enable high-potential, low-income minority students to excel in their course work, graduate college, and continue to be leaders throughout their lives."