Texas Instruments names 17 Junkins National Merit Scholarship® winners

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May 19, 2014, 01:00 ET

DALLAS, May 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventeen outstanding students from across the U.S. were named as recipients of the 2014 Jerry R. Junkins Memorial National Merit Scholarships^®at a luncheon at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science in Dallas today.

Named in honor of TI's late chairman, president and CEO Jerry Junkins, the scholarships are awarded to sons or daughters of active, retired or deceased TI employees who are National Merit Scholarship Program finalists. Since its inception in 1996, TI's Junkins Merit Scholarship program has awarded 321 scholarships, amounting to more than $1.2 million.

"The Junkins Scholars are not only exceptionally bright, but they are driven with a passion to succeed and to give back to their communities," said Trisha Cunningham, TI chief citizenship officer. "I have no doubt that the enthusiasm and many talents these students possess, will lead them to great success. TI takes pride in honoring this remarkably sharp and ambitious group of young people."

The 11 Texas students honored for the academic accomplishments this year are Amelia (Amy) Bogucki of Allen, Lovejoy High School; James Clyne of Allen, Allen High School; Eshan Dabak of Plano, Plano Senior High School; John Devine of Dallas, Lakehill Preparatory School; Roy Falik of Plano, Plano Senior High School; Asma Fares of Murphy, Plano East Senior High School; Thomas Kerwin of Plano, Plano Senior High School; Tiffany Leong of Carrollton, Creekview High School; Cara Santucci of Dallas, Parish Episcopal School; Vincent Shia of Plano, Saint Marks School of Texas; and Katherine Xiu of Plano, Plano Senior High School.

Honorees from other communities include Stephanie Liu of Tucson, AZ, University High School; Margot Mai of Orinda, CA, Miramonte High School; Sophie Russo of Santa Barbara, CA, Dos Pueblos High School; Shuoyang (Jessica) Sun of Tucson, AZ, University High School; Jessica Todsen of Tucson, AZ, Catalina Foothills High School; and Ana Trifonova of Vail, AZ, Cienega High School.

Each year, less than 1 percent of high school seniors nationwide achieve the status of National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist. Students are selected for the awards based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, academic record, leadership abilities, writing skills and extracurricular activities.

TI funds the scholarships in partnership with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a private, not-for-profit organization.

Jerry Junkins became TI's chairman in 1988 and served until his death in 1996. His passion for education helped create model Head Start programs in the Dallas area. He was also chairman of the Citizens Council Education Committee and fought for education reform in Texas schools by promoting measurement and accountability in the classroom. Family members of the late Mr. Junkins presented the awards.

About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today. Learn more at www.ti.com.

SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated