CORVALLIS - An Oregon State University student from Springfield has earned a $20,000 Wal-Mart Stores Competitive Edge Scholarship.

Jarrett Coiner, a 1999 Springfield High School graduate who ranked tops in his class, will begin his freshmen year in OSU's College of Engineering this fall studying general engineering. He is also enrolled in the University Honors College.

"I chose Oregon State University because they have an excellent engineering program. Also, it is close to home and affordable," Coiner said. "It was exciting to learn that I have received the Wal-Mart scholarship - I was happy to get it."

A member of the National Honor Society, Coiner managed to hold a perfect 4.0 grade-point average at Springfield High, while participating in a number of extracurricular activities, including varsity football and baseball, intramural sports, and co-founding his high school electric car racing team.

He was a two-year varsity baseball letterman, and his gridiron skills as a defensive end and offensive lineman earned him a number of honors, including four all-conference awards.

Despite his sports interests, Coiner said he plans to focus on his studies during his freshman year.

"I'll probably try OSU football in my second year," he said.

The university's College of Engineering was established in 1889 and has awarded more than 24,000 degrees. Competitive Edge Scholarships are an effort between OSU and Wal-Mart to boost America's edge in science and technology. The scholarships are awarded to OSU students with top academic standing and community involvement. Coiner will receive $5,000 per year for four years. Funded in part by contributions from Wal-Mart vendors, the fund has grown into one of the nation's largest science and technology scholarship programs.

Source: 

Elona Bell, 541-737-1677

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