Newsmakers

Augusta Preparatory Day School senior Schuyler Atkins was named as a semifinalist in the 57th annual National Merit Scholarship Program by officials of National Merit Scholarship Corp. These academically talented students now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 Merit Scholarship awards, worth $35 million, that will be offered next spring.

Meagan Weathers, of Appling, was selected to receive the G.A. Burson Scholarship for the 2011-12 academic year. She is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in biological sciences, intends to complete nursing school and work for Teach for America. She is involved in many student organizations, including UGA Rotaract, Conscious Alliance and UGA Project Focus. Weathers also takes an active role in local community and philanthropic events. She has participated in the UGA Day of Service, the G-Day Canned Food Drive and volunteered at the local food bank. In the future, Weathers hopes to work for Teach for America and complete nursing school. Meagan is the daughter of Rhonda Weathers of Appling.