A total of 63 students from all over the country were awarded academic scholarships of at least $1,500 a year for four years to a maximum of $4,000 a year depending upon financial need. In addition, each winner was also offered an opportunity for summertime employment with McDonnell Douglas.

"We looked at what the students were planning to pursue and tried to match them with jobs that fit their interests," said Toni Bailey, vice president of community relations.

Students must be a dependent of a McDonnell Douglas employee or retiree and planning to attend either a two-year or four-year college or trade institution to have been eligible for the award.

To ensure fairness, an impartial panel of college professors independent of McDonnell Douglas judged the entries.

"The independent panel of judges had the challenging task of evaluating more than 600 applicants," said Bailey. "Blind applications were given to the judges so they do not know the names of the applicants."

Criteria for the scholarships included active involvement in extra-curricular activities as well as exemplary grades.