Scholarships

The following students received scholarships to attend Southeast Missouri State University for the 2011-2012 school year:

* Duston E. Hutson of Jackson received the Regent's Scholarship.

* Casey M. Stortz of Whitewater received the President's Scholarship.

* Sawyer P. Elfrink of Benton, Mo., received the Regent's Scholarship.

Michael Stepak

* Garrison J. Starrett of Cape Girardeau received the Regent's Scholarship and Missouri Boy's State Leadership Award.

* Elaine M. Hendrix of Cape Girardeau received the Regent's Scholarship.

* Alexander P. Eichhorn of Scott City received the President's Plus Scholarship.

* Michael Stepak of Scott City received the President's Scholarship.

Honors, achievements

Alexander P. Eichhorn

Jackson's bands are superior -- again. Jackson High School and freshman bands performed in last week's Missouri State High School Activities Association state music contest last week. Of the hundreds of schools taking part, Jackson was one of just three to enter the maximum six large performing ensembles, and the only one to receive "superior" ratings -- the highest rating possible -- by judges for all of its ensembles. It was a repeat performance from last year, when all of Jackson's ensemble entrants received top ratings. "They're extremely excited and proud of themselves. They put in a lot of time, effort and hard work," said Scott Vangilder, a band director for the Jackson School District. "We've got a great group of young people to work with." Jackson band ensemble entrants included the wind symphony band, the symphonic band, the freshman band, brass choir, woodwind choir, and percussion ensemble.

-- From staff reports