INDIANAPOLIS (May 15, 2016) – Herff Jones, a leading provider of graduation and educational products and services, announces today fifty (50) winners of the 2016 Believe in You Scholarship program.

Principals across the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Canada had the opportunity to nominate one high school senior based on the student’s strong leadership, academic performance and community service. Based on the nominations, Herff Jones selected fifty scholarship recipients, including a first, second, and third-place winner.

Samantha Hilburn of Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport, La. was this year’s Believe in You Scholarship national winner and received a $12,000 scholarship. Second-place winner Amy Li of Upper Dublin High School in Fort Washington, Penn. was awarded an $8,500 scholarship, and third-place winner Eric Zhao of Meade High School in Fort Meade, Md. was awarded $5,000.

The additional scholarship recipients were each awarded $2,000. Each year, the Herff Jones Believe in You Scholarship provides $119,500 in scholarships. Since the award’s creation, Herff Jones has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to deserving high school seniors. See the complete list of 2016 scholarship award winners here.

“Student leadership and achievement go hand in hand, and we are proud to recognize outstanding young people, who exceed expectations,” said John Newby, president of Herff Jones. “At Herff Jones we pride ourselves on acknowledging students who are positive role models and leaders in their communities.”

More than 500 students were nominated for the 2016 Herff Jones Believe in You Scholarship program. Students were evaluated based on the basis of academic performance, standardized test results, work experience, participation in student activities, community service and their response to an essay question.

Winners were notified earlier this month and will receive their scholarship checks in August.

About Herff Jones
Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people. A division of Varsity Brands, Herff Jones’ products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, yearbooks, and motivation and recognition programs. Focuses on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 2,000 employees, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience and celebrate academic milestones for nearly 95 years.For more information about Herff Jones visit https://www.herffjones.com/

Media Contact
Kate Shambrook (Dittoe PR for Herff Jones) [email protected] or 317-202-2280 X 18