Papa John's restaurants of southeast Missouri announced today the establishment of the Papa John's Scholars program which will award $1,000 in collegiate scholarship funds to local students.

The high school senior who receives the award will be provided with a $1,000 scholarship which can be applied to the college of his or her choice.

The selection committee will consider the following criteria: artistic ability, community service, creative ability, academic achievement, obstacles overcome, meaningful objectives achieved, activities beyond the classroom, life goals and interests, leadership qualities and quality of character. None of the criteria is considered an absolute necessity and none carries more weight that the others.

High school seniors should contact their school's guidance counselor to pick up an application. Completed applications must be submitted to counselors no later than March 10, 1997.

The scholarship recipients will be announced in May.

"These scholarships are our way of saying thanks to the communities that have supported Papa John's in this area for five years. We believe that helping our young people go to college is the best way we can express our appreciation," Patrick Gaunce, president of Illmo, Inc., said.