SPARTANBURG - The University of South Carolina Upstate recently named 650 of South Carolina's high school juniors as 2006 Upstate Junior Scholars in recognition of outstanding academic achievement.

High school guidance counselors from around the state nominate students for the annual award. To be nominated, students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 and a combined verbal and math score of 1,100 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

An awards reception was held in March at USC Upstate to recognize the 2006 Junior Scholars and their families. Among the students honored were Ashley Christina Conley and Lauren Fowler, both of Blacksburg High School, and Shaqueena Shawntae Kirby and Brittany Megan Moore, both of Gaffney High School.

Area students Junior Scholars

at USC-Upstate