FAYETTEVILLE -- Josie Carson, of Pearcy, a graduate of Lake Hamilton High School, and Sarkis "Sam" Kalajyan, of Hot Springs, who graduated from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, are two of the four Arkansas high school graduates joining the distinguished list of Sturgis Fellows in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences this fall.
Carson is the daughter of Eric and Deonne Carson, of Pearcy.
Kalajyan is the son of Amy Torosyan and Jack Kalajyan, of Hot Springs.
Carson was an AP Scholar with Distinction and a member of both the cross-country and track teams. She was selected as the Gatorade Arkansas Player of the Year for Girls Cross Country in her junior and senior year, was named to the All Arkansas Academic Track and Field Team, and is on the University of Arkansas women's track and field team.
Carson was flute section leader and first chair in band, senior class vice president, student council treasurer, secretary of Mu Alpha Theta and a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. She plans to major in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry.
Kalajyan, was a community leader in his school, a member of the National Honor Society and Robotics clubs and attended Arkansas Boys State. He was also co-captain of the school's flag football team. He volunteered with Hot Springs National Park, receiving the Hartzog Award with his volunteer group. He plans to major in biology, chemistry or psychology.
The Sturgis Fellowship is the University of Arkansas' oldest and among its most prestigious fellowship programs. It awards each fellow $72,000 over four years, covering tuition, room and board, and provides support for educational tools such as computer hardware and software, high-quality musical instruments, professional journals and participation at academic conferences. Sturgis Fellows must pursue a major within Fulbright College, complete an intensive academic program and graduate with honors. They are also encouraged to study abroad.
The fellowships are made possible by the continual support of the Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust.
School on 09/09/2018