For the fifth consecutive year, Millsaps College is the winner of the Halbrook Award in the independent college division. Administered cooperatively by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges and the Mississippi Association of Independent Colleges, the purpose of the Halbrook Award is to recognize colleges and universities that maintain and achieve high academic standards for student athletes.

"At Millsaps, we are dedicated to producing great students as well as great athletes," said Ron Jurney, the Millsaps athletic director. "Our athletic programs emphasize the importance of being a leader in the classroom, on the field and in one's community."

Millsaps has won the prestigious award 11 out of the last 13 years. The Millsaps student-athlete graduation rate for those who came to the College in 1997 was 93%.

Individual Halbrook certificates for academic achievement also go to the most outstanding male and female athletes at each member institution. In addition to athletic ability, recipients must demonstrate academic achievement and campus leadership. The two Millsaps winners are Matt Yglesias, a senior baseball player from Greenwell Springs, La., and Laura Hillgartner, a senior soccer player from Rockwall, Tx.

The annual awards program was named in honor of its founder and endower, former Rep. David M. Halbrook of Belzoni and his brothers, John C., James G., and J.A. Halbrook.