The Central Carolinas Phi Beta Kappa Association presented awards to an outstanding senior student at the awards ceremonies at the six high schools in Moore and Lee counties.

The scholarship committees of each school selected a student for exceptional academic achievement in the liberal arts and sciences and leadership potential. The book award this year was "The Oxford World Atlas" and a $100 check was given to assist with purchasing college books.

Members of the local PBK Association presented the awards to the following students: Lee County, Taylor Batten, who plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill; Southern Lee: Keeley Wood, who plans to major in biology and chemistry; North Moore, Dana Comer, who plans to attend UNCGreensboro majoring in psychology; The O'Neal School, Alex Zhang, who plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis; Pinecrest, Rachel Dokich; and Union Pines, Stuart Jeffrey.

Each of the students was asked to select a teacher the student felt had made the greatest contribution to his or her development during the high school years. The teachers selected were presented a check and a framed certificate. The teachers selected were: Joan Hankinson (Lee County); Janet Smith (North Moore); Caitlin Bowness (The O'Neal School); Mike Apple (Pinehurst); Julie Randolph (Southern Lee); and Robert Hobgood (Union Pines).

In the fall of 2010, the PBK Association is considering giving awards to a junior student from each high school, based upon the accumulated grade point average and other significant qualities displayed during the first three years of high school. Therefore, the students can list the award on their applications to colleges and universities.

The Phi Beta Kappa Society, established in 1776, is the oldest academic honorary in the country, and an invitation to join is a symbol of outstanding achievement in the liberal arts and sciences during the undergraduate years of study.

Each year, about one college senior in 100, nationwide, is invited to join Phi Beta Kappa, and membership is for life. Seventeen U.S. presidents have been members of the PBK Society. Famous or not, all members have in common the pursuit of excellence. After graduation, members may join an association in their communities. The programs and awards sponsored by the Central Carolinas Association are funded by dues and donations and occasional community fundraising events.

For further information, PBK members residing in this area may call (910) 215-4574.