New Lott Leadership Scholars for 2009-10 are (l-r) Charles "Justin" Sanders of Madison, Molly Hunter Harris of East Greenwich, R.I., Hunter Owen Nicholson of Brandon, Sarah Key Robinson of Brandon, Morgan Renee Carter of Pascagoula and Charles Shelby "CJ" Jenkins of Oxford.

Lott Scholars are awarded scholarships that provide $10,000 per year for four years of study. Selection is based on exceptional leadership, academic records and a commitment to pursue a bachelor's degree in Public Policy Leadership.

"This is our fifth year offering the scholarships, and it's very difficult to make the decisions since we have a strong application file," said William Gottshall, executive director of the Lott Institute. "We are proud of these young adults and look forward to watching them grow academically on campus."    

The institute provides an intellectual community of faculty and students designed to turn ideas into action. Programming includes many opportunities for the scholars to meet and interact with public leaders and participate in public programs in this country and abroad.

The new Lott Scholars are Morgan Renee Carter of Pascagoula, Molly Hunter Harris of East Greenwich, R.I., Charles Shelby "CJ" Jenkins of Oxford, Charles "Justin" Sanders of Madison, and Hunter Owen Nicholson and Sarah Key Robinson, both of Brandon.

Carter's career goal is to work in the nonprofit sector, possibly as head of a large humanitarian agency. She graduated from Resurrection Catholic High School, where her honors included Rotary Club Student of the Month, Who's Who Among American High School Students, Most Effective Witness in Mock Trial and Outstanding Defense Attorney in Model United Nations. She was chosen senior class president and served as captain of the school's soccer, tennis and volleyball teams. Her community service included mission trips to Mexico and volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, McKenzie Place Women's Shelter and the Salvation Army.

Harris plans to attend law school in preparation to be a criminal prosecuting attorney. At Greenwich High School, she received the Foreign Ambassadors Award in Latin, Outstanding Witness Award, Excellent Lawyer Award and Presidential Award of Excellence. She served as captain of the Mock Trial Team and as an officer for Class Council and the National Honor Society. She participated in the Academic Decathlon, Gay Straight Alliance and Latin Club. Her community service included Volunteers in Mission, Christ Community Kitchen and McCauley House Soup Kitchen.

Jenkins plans a double major in public policy leadership and civil engineering. After an early career as a civil engineer, he hopes to enter politics. A graduate of Oxford High School, he was a National Merit Finalist and placed in the 91st and 93rd percentile in the National German Exam. He was a member of the OHS Band, Mississippi Lions All-State Band and Northeast Honor Band. He was rated superior in solo and sight reading by the Mississippi Music Teachers Association. He was a member of the OHS baseball team and belonged to the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honorary. His community service included working with St. Peter's Episcopal Youth Community and volunteering for retirement home visitation and algebra tutoring.

Nicholson, a graduate of Brandon High School, plans to attend law school and practice law, and eventually run for public office. He was elected Mr. BHS and inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. He was named Rankin County Student of the Month and chosen Best Actor by the Thespians. An Eagle Scout, he was a delegate to the U.S. Senate Youth Program and served two years as president of his class. A member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club, he was featured in Portico Magazine among 25 Students Who Will Change the World. In community service, he was a worship leader and retreat leader at Crossgates United Methodist Church and a member of the Mayor's Youth Council, as well as a volunteer with the Red Cross Shelter Phone Bank and Katrina Relief.

Robinson graduated from East Rankin Academy. She plans to attend law school. At ERA, she was an Honor Student, member of the ACT Academic Team and a state winner in Academic Betterment Competition. She served as president of both the Student Council and Mu Alpha Theta and participated in varsity basketball, varsity cheerleading and theater. She attended UM's Trent Lott Leadership Institute for High School Students. Her community service included working with the Shiloh United Methodist youth group and mission team and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Veterans Day Mission Project, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Hurricane Relief and Angel Tree.

Sanders, a National Merit Semifinalist, graduated from Madison Central High School. While he has long been interested in a political career, he says he's "very fond of international politics and intrigued by the infinite possibilities in the world of international relations." He was co-captain of his school's Academic Decathlon Team, which placed first in state competition and first runner-up in the national division. In individual ADT awards, he received five gold, two silver and one bronze. He was a member of the state champion Mississippi Economic Challenge Team - David Ricardo Division. He was selected for advanced competition in sociology and behavioral sciences at the Mississippi Regional Science Fair. He served on his school's newspaper staff and was a member of the Government Club and Speech and Debate Club. He participated in YMCA Youth Legislature, Mississippi Model Security Council and Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Conference. His community service included working with Madison United Methodist Youth and volunteering for the Stewpot Community Center, Katrina Relief and Habitat for Humanity.

For more information about the Lott Leadership Institute, visit http://www.lottinst.olemiss.edu/.