Fifteen of Connecticut's top minority high school seniors have been offered full, four-year scholarships to the University starting in the fall. They will be honored at the annual Day of Pride scholarship awards banquet at noon on Sunday.

Another 100 outstanding minority high school seniors will be offered early admission to the University for the fall, and they also will be acknowledged at the banquet in Putnam Refectory.

"The Day of Pride program recognizes the academic performance and leadership of a group of outstanding high school seniors in the state who come from underrepresented populations within the state," said Judith Meyer, interim vice provost for undergraduate education and instruction. "In the past our Day of Pride students have not only excelled in the classroom but many of them become leaders on campus. Current Day of Pride scholars serve on administrative committees, work with the homeless, tutor young children in need of academic support, participate in cutting-edge research, and are ambassadors of goodwill for the University."

Day of Pride started in 1976 to identify, recognize and honor the achievements of underrepresented students throughout Connecticut. In 1981, the mission of the program expanded to include active recruitment and enrollment of these students at UConn.

The keynote speaker will be Louis Allen '74, principal of New London High School since 1992. Allen began his teaching career at Saint Thomas More School in Oakdale, where he taught algebra and biology. In 1985, he became assistant headmaster and was responsible for 200 students until 1989, when he left to become special assistant to the superintendent at Norwich Free Academy.

"The teaching training that I acquired during my undergraduate years at UConn has been very important to my professional achievements," Allen said. "The informal training that I acquired outside the classroom from professors, coaches and fellow students was equally important. If the role of a University is to prepare us for the issues and challenges that life presents, then credit the University of Connecticut for my success."

Since the inception of the Day of Pride program, about 3,800 minority high school students and 40 UConn graduate honorees have participated in the event. This year, more than 300 students competed for scholarships, awards and early admission to the University. Selection is based on scholastic achievement, leadership ability and community and volunteer activities.

The top 15 students who will be offered full scholarships and early admission are: David Pham of Berlin, Jason Hines of Bloomfield, Carlos Castro and Frank Medina of Bridgeport, Tania Nisimblat of Darien, Elizabeth Agosta of East Hartford, Louis Gonzalez of Madison, Laurie Brandl and Leila Timm of Meriden, Joseph White of Middletown, Lauren Vaz of New Britain, Jennifer Dumlao of North Branford, Radna Shenoy of Simsbury, Jan Rosado of Stamford and Charlesly Joseph of West Haven.