Bernie, Missouri -  Lari Spitzer, daughter of Kevin and Lisa Spitzer of Bernie, was recognized at the annual Southeast Missouri State University Scholarship Reception held on November 4th at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

More than 600 people attended the recognition event where more than 400 scholarship recipients were recognized for outstanding academic records, leadership, and/or athletic success.

Spitzer, a junior in early childhood education, was recognized as a recipient of the James M. and Joyce Petty Overby Family Scholarship, a scholarship endowed by former Bernie residents.

Joyce Overby and one of her three daughters, Diane Overby Sides, were on hand to congratulate Spitzer.

Spitzer is a 2015 graduate of Bernie High School and was active in Sr. Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pep Club, and was also on the Academic Team and Publications.  She was a member of the varsity softball team and varsity cheer.

This is the second year Sitzer has been awarded the Overby Family Scholarship.

Shown in the provided photo are from left to right: Joyce Overby, Diane Overby Sides, Lari Spitzer, and Dr. Carlos Vargas, President of Southeast Missouri State University.