This year, ten of LCHS’s seniors have been recognized in the National Merit Semifinals, a prestigious academic accomplishment based on their scores last fall’s Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The gifted seniors who remain in the running include: Averi Suk, Arjun Aron, Matthew Randolph, Blake Northrop, Veronica Backer-Peral, Yolanda Hu, Harrison Min, Cora Wu, Christos Menemenlis, and Erica Lee.
The process of being selected as a semifinalist is not easy. Of the 1.6 million entrants, only 50,000 students with the highest scores receive recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program. And only about 16,000 students qualify as Semifinalists. To become a finalist, the semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application, which contains information of academic records, participations in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employments, and any awards received. About 90% of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standings, and half of these finalists will move onto receive the National Merit Scholarship in February.
Regarding her semifinalist position, Averi explained, “I feel like it’s a really big honor and I was surprised because this year they really changed how it worked and how the scoring system was.” She also mentioned, “I think it’s really amazing to see these 10 other kids who are really smart and bright doing well and being able to get a scholarship for all of their academic hard work throughout high school.”
Although being recognized as a National Merit Scholar is a great accomplishment, these students are still very modest in acknowledging their great efforts and are intent on continuing to work diligently.
Arjun commented, “It’s a great honor to be recognized for all our hard work, but I realize it’s just one test and isn’t necessarily indicative of everything. I just have to keep working hard and hopefully I’m able to accomplish everything I want in the future.”
We are very lucky to have such talented and bright students at LCHS and are looking forward to see what they will bring next!
Photo by Spartan Collective
