<p>Annapolis, Md.- Naval Academy Midshipmen 2nd Class (juniors) David Parker and Erik Westland have been selected as Truman Scholars for the 2007 academic year. The foundation announced 65 students from 56 US colleges and universities have been selected as 2007 Truman Scholars.</p>
<p>The Truman Foundation, dedicated to former President Harry S. Truman, finds and recognizes college juniors with exceptional leadership potential and intellectual ability who are committed to careers in government, education or the not-for-profit sector. Rooted in President Truman's belief that education promotes the general welfare of our country, the scholarship is committed to encouraging future ?change-agents? of America. Scholars are required to work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of a Foundation-funded graduate degree program.</p>
<p>Midshipman Westland, who hails from Chicago, enlisted in the Navy in 2001 and served as a Nuclear Propulsion Machinist?s Mate for three years prior to attending the U.S. Naval Academy. He is currently studying political science and Mandarin. He is the President of the Class of 2008 and enjoys volunteering, reading, writing, running, and playing the acoustic guitar. After graduation, he hopes to become a Surface Warfare Officer.</p>
<p>A native of Cleveland, Midshipman Parker studies economics at the Academy, where he is also an active dinghy sailor and tri-athlete. As an AmeriCorps member prior to attending the Naval Academy, Parker served in City Year Cleveland's public health and after-school education initiatives. Following graduation he plans to be commissioned into the U.S. Coast Guard and focus on Maritime Safety and Security.</p>
<p>Each scholarship provides $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling, and special internship opportunities within the federal government.</p>
<p>The 65 Scholars were selected from among 585 candidates nominated by 280 colleges and universities. There have been 2,545 Truman Scholars elected since the first awards were made in 1977.</p>