The West Plains School District Board of Education has selected WPHS senior Drew Harris as the District nominee for the John T. Belcher Scholarship. The Missouri School Board Association (MSBA) and Future Builders established the statewide scholarship program in memory of Mr. Belcher, who was instrumental in developing innovative financing programs for Missouri school districts. "The learning environment for thousands of Missouri's public school students was improved as a result of his work," says the scholarship description. "Though Mr. Belcher lost his battle with cancer in 1989, his courage inspired all who knew him." As the District nominee, Harris now has the opportunity to apply for a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a student in each of MSBA's 17 regions. Following the selection of regional winners, a statewide winner is chosen and will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. Applicants are judged based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and the quality of an essay. In her high school career, Harris earned a GPA of 4.26. She is a recipient of the College Board's National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program award. Harris plans to study biochemistry at Drury University after graduation, with a career goal of working in the medical field.