McKenzie Lash of Columbus was recently selected as a 2002-2003 UPS scholar. This award, which carries a monetary value of $3,500, is given annually to a Millsaps student who has demonstrated academic excellence.

Lash joins four other Mississippi students who are sharing $17,500 in scholarships from The UPS Foundation's educational endowment fund. The award is distributed locally among the five member colleges of the Mississippi Foundation of Independent Colleges. The foundation, which is based in Atlanta, has been assisting students seeking a private education since 1951.

"I'm very excited to receive this award," said Lash. "I appreciate the fruits of hard work."

Lash, a senior majoring in business, plays forward for the Millsaps basketball team. After graduating, Lash plans to pursue a career in communications. He is the son of Maggie Dixon of Columbus.