A total of 1,070 student-athletes have been honored for their academic achievements by being named Heart Scholar-Athletes for the 2020-21 academic year.

Of the 1,070 new scholar-athletes, 48 were Peru State student-athletes.

Peru State’s volleyball honorees included Kelcie Gaines,  Rock Port, a K-12 Health and Physical Education major.

The 14 reporting institutions averaged 76.43 honorees, with seven institutions boasting at least 70 academic standouts.

In order to qualify for this honor, a student-athletes must have met the following criteria:

• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)

• Must have accumulated a minimum of 60 credit hours, completed at least five semesters, and attending the nominating institution for at least two semesters prior to being nominated

• Must have documented participation in a varsity competition in the sport for which they are being nominated for

Peru State athletic director Wayne Albury was more than pleased with the number of student-athletes receiving the recognition. Albury noted, “Being a student-athlete is demanding no matter what level of competition you are at being either NCAA DI or NAIA. You have to have good time management skills and the desire to be successful both on the playing field/court and in the classroom.”