The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has announced the recipients of its prestigious 2023 Academic All-State Awards. Laura Anton, Alva, has been chosen as a recipient. Anton is a senior at Alva High School. She is the daughter of Phillip and Connie Anton.

"The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Program is Oklahoma's premiere awards program honoring academic achievement, innovation and leadership among students and educators in our public schools," said Executive Director Elizabeth Inbody. "By working together to give outstanding students and educators the recognition they deserve, we send a strong message to our state and to the nation that Oklahomans value academic excellence."

Academic All-Staters are selected based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community involvement, as well as letters of recommendation and an essay submitted by each applicant. The selection committee, which is chaired by retired educator Jan McClaren, works independently of all other foundation activities. The committee members are a diverse group of business, education, and civic leaders, as well as past Academic Awards Program honorees.

Andrew J. Morris, president of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, describes the selection of the scholars as "Oklahoma's most rigorous academic awards selection process." To be eligible for Academic All-State, students must meet one of the following criteria: an American College Test (ACT) composite score of at least 30; a combined SAT evidence-based reading & writing and math score of at least 1370; or be selected as a semi-finalist for a National Merit Scholarship.

Anton will receive a $1,500 merit-based cash award, honor cord and a medallion and will be recognized at the foundation's 37th annual Academic Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 20, at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.

The Academic Awards Banquet is open to the public. Registration will open online April 3 at http://www.ofe.org. The awards ceremony will also be available for viewing on the foundation's website following the event. For more information, call the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence office at 405-236-0006.