The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Education Committee announced 10 finalists for 2010 ACCESS Scholarships. Awards totaling more than $7,500 will be presented to Austin eight and 12th grade students at the 23rd annual banquet on March 18 at the Hormel Historic Home.

The 10 finalists were selected from a group of 94 applicants. Finalists were selected based on a written application, personal interview and a speech presentation.

All finalists will receive scholarships, ranging from $400 to $1500. Individual amounts will be announced at the banquet.

The ACCESS program was Established in 1988. The program has awarded more than $144,000 in scholarships to 250 students. The scholarship funds are donated by chamber businesses.

This year’s 12th grade finalists include:

Benjamin Bachmeier, son of Brad and Mona Bachmeier. Ben is a 4.0 student who plans to pursue degrees in engineering and music. He plays the cello, piano and guitar. He has been a member of the All State Orchestra for the past three years. He served as 2009 National Honor Society president and was a member of the charter FIRST Robotics team at Austin High School.

Christian Folken, son of Howard and Sherri Crawford. Christian has a 3.98 GPA and is active on the Student Council, National Honor Society, varsity Cross Country and Track and Field teams. He plans to study political science and history in college, and later work as a college professor or attorney.

Robert Wahlert, son of Agnes and Rob Wahlert. Robert has a 3.97 GPA and plans to attend Boston College, next fall. He is interested in studying business, particularly marketing and accounting. He is a member of the National Honor Society, DECA and Student Council. He also served as student representative on the Austin School Board for two years.

Emily Weiss, daughter of Jim and Jan Weiss. Emily has a 3.99 GPA and will attend the University of Minnesota, next fall, to purse a degree in engineering. At Austin High School, she has been involved in a variety of sports and the National Honor Society. She also volunteers at the Austin Public Library and through the Elementary Mentorship program.

Eighth grade finalists are:

Kristen Carlson, daughter of Tim and Kathy Carlson. Kristen is president of the student council and secretary for the National Junior Honor Society. She also is member of the Ellis Orchestra and soccer team.

Clyde Carver, son of Nitaya Jandragholica, Mark Carver and Aaron Stewart. Clyde is enrolled in the advanced math program UMTYMP and also has been active with DAWN (Depression Awareness and Wellness Network). He also plays both football and basketball.

Tori Grev, daughter of Jeff and Chris Grev. Tori is secretary for the Ellis Middle School student council and a member of the school orchestra. She plays point guard on the basketball team and earned a varsity letter on the swim team in the seventh grade.

Noah Leuer, son of Cathy and Anthony Leuer. Noah loves to play football and is also a member of the tennis team. He serves as secretary of WORD (We Oppose and Resist Drugs) group and also is a member of his church’s youth group.

Olive McDermott, daughter of John and Lori McDermott. Olive plays the violin in the chamber orchestra and has participated in DAWN since the sixth grade. She also has been a member of the cross country team for the past three years, and was voted “most improved” by her teammates.

Curtis Oberbroeckling, son of Mark and Jane Oberbroeckling. Curtis participates in the group FISH (Friendly In School Host) and Summer Grunge, a church activity designed to help people and businesses around town. He also plays basketball and is a mass server in his church.