TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Stuart Waugh, a 2005 graduate of Cullman High School, has received a scholarship to attend The University of Alabama this fall.

Waugh is a 2005 National Merit Scholarship finalist.

Waugh plans to enroll in the UA College of Arts and Sciences as a pre-medical studies major. Waugh’s scholarship includes in-state UA tuition for four years, on-campus housing for four years, merit stipend funds, a study abroad or summer research grant, and a laptop computer.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships among high school students who enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements. The 16,000 students with the highest scores become semi-finalists and later the number is cut to 15,000 finalists. Winners are then selected from this group of finalists.