FROM STAFF REPORTS

Natalie Applegate, a student at Spain Park High School, has been chosen, along with 102 high school students from across the nation, to participate in the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Scholarship program March 16-19.

The top two students will receive a $50,000 college scholarship, while the other 100 will each receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The scholarship winners will be brought to Washington to receive their awards and participate in a journalism conference where they will tour several media organizations and participate in sessions led by noted broadcast and print journalists and newsmakers.

The conference culminates with the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Awards ceremony. At the event, students will have the opportunity to meet the 2008 Free Spirit of the Year, Cathie Black, president of Hearst Magazines.

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit Awards recognize top high school journalism seniors who are free spirits. It was established by the Freedom Forum to honor Al Neuharth, the founder of the Freedom Forum and USA TODAY.

The scholarships and conference program are designed to assist and inspire students who are pursuing journalism careers. The Close Up Foundation assists the Freedom Forum in administering the program.

The top winners will be announced March 19