Hamilton Student Named Fulbright Scholar

Melissa Kastler, a senior foreign languages majorat Hamilton, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study and conductresearch in Japan next year. This is the second consecutive year that aHamilton student has been chosen for the prestigious fellowship. Last year'saward went to William Russell Jr. to study and conduct research at theNational University of Singapore.

Kastler, who will receive her bachelor's degree during Hamilton College'sCommencement on Sunday, May 19, will look at Japanese traditions and how theyaffect the current educational policies in that country. Her research willinclude a day-to-day analysis of the school systems. She has requested to besent to Tokyo, but is still waiting for confirmation.

The Fulbright Program was created by the U.S. Congress in 1946 to fostermutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchanges.U.S. Senator William Fulbright, the prime sponsor of the program, saw it as astep toward building an alternative to armed conflict.

Selection for participation in the highly regarded program is extremelycompetitive. The competition for college seniors is even more intense as manyFulbright scholars are master's and Ph.D. degree candidates.

Kastler, a native of Baldwinsville, attended Charles W. Baker High School.