Seven Missouri high school seniors won scholarships in the 13th annual Project 21 Scholarship Contest, sponsored by the Missouri Gaming Association (MGA), the professional organization representing casino operators in Missouri.

The awards included two $1,500 and four $1,000 scholarships. The students competed for the scholarships by creating an article, poster or video that educated their peers about the dangers of underage gambling.

The 2009 winners are:

• Bridget Waller of Ballwin, a senior at Cor Jesu Academy, received a $1,500 scholarship (click here to read Bridget’s essay);
  
• Patrick Drake of St. Louis, a senior at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School, received a $1,500 scholarship (see image of Patrick’s poster below);
• Kelly Eggers of Arnold, a senior at Fox Senior High School, received a $1,000 scholarship (see image of Kelly’s poster below);
• Jennifer Mudd of Silex, a senior at Silex R-1 High School, received a $1,000 scholarship (see image of Jennifer’s poster below);
• Rebekah Purvis of Houston, a senior at Houston High School, received a $1,000 scholarship (click here to read Rebekah’s essay); and
• Joint Authors: Miranda Barrera and Amy Cravens both of Marshfield, seniors at Marshfield High School, received a $500 scholarship each (see image Miranda and Amy’s poster below).

Patrick Drake Poster

Kelly Eggers Poster

Jennifer Mudd Poster

Miranda Barrera and Amy Cravens Poster