A group of University of Georgia incoming freshmen has been awarded the Charter Scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year.

The Charter Scholarship, funded by the University of Georgia Foundation, is named to reflect the university’s distinction as the nation’s first state-chartered public university.

Recipients are incoming first-year undergraduates with stellar academic records, leadership and community involvement, and a respect for and commitment to intellectual, social and cultural diversity. Usually the top 6 to 8 percent of entering first-year students are named Charter Scholars. 

The award provides $1,000 per year in addition to the HOPE Scholarship to Georgia high school graduates. Out-of-state recipients are given partial non-resident tuition differential waivers with their $1,000 annual scholarships.    

The scholarship can be renewed for an additional three years of undergraduate study if the recipients maintain certain academic standards.

For general information on scholarships, visit http://www.admissions.uga.edu.

Local recipients of the Charter Scholarships are:

• Nicole Bigman of Acworth, a graduate of North Paulding High School. Parents are Mr. and Mrs. Steven and Robyn Bigman.
• Taylor Harris of Dallas, a graduate of Paulding County High School. Parents are Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Stephanie Harris.
• Khin Khine of Dallas, a graduate of Paulding County High School. Parents are Mr. and Mrs. Sein Ngwe and Mrs. Yin Yin.
• Kailyn Thomas of Hiram, a graduate of McEarchern High School. Parents are Mr. and Mrs. Randy and Michele Thomas.