Three Sophomores Win Truman Scholarship

Three Harvard sophomores are among 92 recipients nationwide of the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarships for academic achievement and public service, the Missouri-based Truman Scholarship Foundation announced last week.

Scott C. Gelormino, Elizabeth E. Hughes and Deacon R. Turner II will be recognized in Independence, Mo., early next month and receive annual stipends of up to $7000 for four years, a foundation spokesperson said.

"The money helps me tremendously because right now, I'm surviving on grants," said Gelormino, a social studies concentrator. "I won't have to work so hard--I'm on work study now--which makes things a lot easier."

Established 13 years ago by Congress, the scholarship goes to one student from every state and U.S. territory, and up to 39 at-large candidates, the foundation said. The fund was created in memory of the 33rd president and his stands on education and public service.

Hughes said the money "makes things more pleasant," but added that she enjoyed the recognition from the foundation, and that she thought it symbolized a greater recognition of public service by the government.

"People devoted to public service aren't always recognized," said Hughes, a concentrator in East Asian Studies and Government.

"Maybe [the scholarship] is the government's way of saying thank you, of saying, 'yeah, we know you care,'" Hughes said.

The scholarship application process is demanding and lasts for seven months, said Kristine L. Forsgard, fellowships director of the Office of Career Services.

Harvard applicants must gain a house or department recommendation and be interviewed before receiving the College's official nomination. The students then must complete the foundation's applications, Forsgard said.

"These kids worked hard for this. There is some trauma--it is a difficult competition because it started back in October..." Forsgard said. "Then it's April when they find out and that's a lot of strain on anyone."

The applicants, though nominated by the College, compete regionally.

Forsgard said she felt this year's competition was "really a phenomenal showing for the school."

Two other Harvard sophomores were also named alternates for the fellowhip. Lori L. Outzs and Kam S. Wong will receive no financial aid unless the winners from their home-states decline the scholarship.

"It's basically an honorific thing," said a foundation spokesperson. "Very few people don't accept the scholarship."