State Board of Education Honors Top H.S. Students at A&M International

170 top students from Laredo and the surrounding area will be honored at Texas A&M International University Wednesday by the State Board of Education as part of it's salute to over 13,000 students statewide who have achieved academic distinction in mathematics, science, social studies, English or language arts.

Dubbed "Celebrations of Educational Excellence," the program will take place Wednesday, April 4 at 9:30 a.m. in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Great Room (319). Refreshments will be served.

The SBE initiated the program seven years ago to honor the State's scholars. A&M International has hosted the reception since its inception. Local educators, typically the school principal or counselor, select the students who are to receive the excellence award. Honored students are often Academic Decathlon winners, National Merit Scholars or top-ranking students in their class.

Each student will receive a "Celebrations of Educational Excellence" medallion and a congratulatory letter from Gov. Rick Perry.

In addition to students from Laredo's public high schools, students will be on hand from Zapata, Carrizo, Freer, Eagle Pass, Hebbronville, Bruni and Cotulla.

In addition to A&M International, 24 colleges and universities across the State will honor the students including: Angelo State University, Baylor University, Lamar University-Beaumont, Midwestern State University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, South Plains College, Southern Methodist University, Sul Ross University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University at Commerce, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, University of Houston, University of Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at El Paso, University of Texas - Pan American, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, University of Texas at Tyler and West Texas A&M University.

For more information on the "Celebrations of Excellence" Program at A&M International, please call the Office of Enrollment Management at 326.2270, visit offices in Killam Library 158 or email to enroll@tamiu.edu.

Student Services office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday and 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu