The National Society of Collegiate Scholars has announced SMU sophomore Kyle Yarberry as a finalist for the first annual Exemplary Scholar Award. This national award recognizes outstanding NSCS members for their high academic achievement, as well as a passion for community service and extracurricular involvement.

The Exemplary Scholar Award is administered by NSCS’ National Leadership Council, a 15-member elected body representing NSCS members around a specific topic area or geographic region. The NLC created the Exemplary Scholar Award in order to recognize fellow NSCS members who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to academia and community service.

Yarberry was chosen as a finalist for his exemplary achievements throughout his two-year SMU career.

In response to being named a finalist, Yarberry said, “Of course, it is such an honor to be recognized, but the award itself is great because it motivates the NSCS members to continue their endeavors next year.”

Yarberry is majoring in mechanical engineering with a specialization in entrepreneurship and management.

He was recently awarded the J. Lindsay Embrey Academic Excellence Scholarship, which is presented by the SMU School of Engineering to students who display a range of personal accomplishments, academic achievements and strong leadership skills.

Yarberry was also named a University Scholar, an award offered to students with a strong academic profile and well-rounded extracurricular background.

Although strong in the academic field, Yarberry is equally as productive outside the classroom. He is the external vice president/philanthropy chairman of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. This position has allowed him the opportunity to organize, promote and coordinating many philanthropic events and community service activities throughout the year.

NSCS’ national office will honor Yarberry with a medal in recognition of his accomplishments as a finalist for the 2005-2006 Exemplary Scholar Award.