Stephen Edwards, a junior at Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, is among two recipients for the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation's Hendrix-Murphy Book award.
The other recipient is Grace Ford, a junior at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin, Texas.
"Stephen personifies what Hendrix, and the Murphy Foundation represent," said Fred Baker, Director of College Counseling at Catholic High, in a news release. "He is intellectually curious, distinctive, compassionate, and a lifelong learner."
"Grace embodies the traits for this nomination," said College Counselor Rubi Zeledón. "Her academic achievements and dedication to language studies make her a standout nominee for this award."
Hendrix-Murphy Book Award winners receive a copy of "Poems to Read: A New Favorite Poems Anthology," edited by Robert Pinsky and Maggie Dietz.
Students may be nominated for the award by their English, languages, creative writing or drama teacher or guidance counselor.
The Hendrix-Murphy Book Award is offered to outstanding high school juniors who demonstrate distinguished scholarship or leadership in literary studies, creative writing, foreign languages, script writing, drama or community service related to literature or language.
The Hendrix-Murphy Foundation Programs in Literature and Language were founded in 1978 by a gift from Charles H. Murphy, Jr., former CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation, in memory of his mother Bertie Wilson Murphy. Their mission is to enhance and enrich the study of literature and language at Hendrix College.