Three KU juniors were awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship this week, according to a University Relations media release.

Shawn Henderson, David Hover and Hannah Swift were awarded a $7,500 scholarship to cover tuition, fees, books and room and board.

The Goldwater Scholarship is the primary scholarship in the country for science, engineering and math undergraduate students, said Sue Lorenz, assistant director of the KU Honors Program.

“It’s a very nice thing and we’re all very thrilled,” Lorenz said. “Especially the physics department.”

All three students are majoring in physics.

Ten students from Kansas were named Goldwater scholars for 2005-2006 and were among more than 1,000 students who competed for the scholarship nationwide.

A University committee selected the three students to compete for the scholarship, Lorenz said.