ANN ARBOR—Eight incoming University of Michigan students have been awarded Colton Leadership Scholarships, which provide tuition and fees for each recipient. Recipients of the 1997-98 Colton Leadership Scholarships are: Natalie Davis of Gobles, Mich.; Ashley Harrison of Caseville, Mich., Hanh Tran of Niles, Mich., Maria Reyes, Janet Padilla, Jay Verdugo and Elousia Zarco of Chicago, Ill., and Andrew Suh of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The scholarships were established in 1993 in order to provide a U-M education to students who demonstrate financial need and exceptional leadership qualities. Additional funds for expenses including room and board, books and supplies and personal expenses are awarded based on demonstrated financial need, as determined by the U-M Office of Financial Aid. The undergraduate scholarships are renewable up to a total of five years, and may also be renewed for graduate enrollment at U-M if students continue to demonstrate leadership qualities.

Funds for the Colton Scholarships come from Ralph F. Colton, who earned bachelor?s and master?s degrees in engineering from U-M in 1923 and 1924, respectively, and his wife, Elsie, who also attended Michigan. Candidates for the scholarship must submit an essay substantiating their leadership qualities through recognition by their peers, such as serving as an elected officer of a high school class or society, editor of a school publication, captain or business manager of an athletic team, or originator and leader of a community activity. Colton reviews the essays for final consideration.