Seniors from Carlsbad School Advance to Semifinals for National Merit Scholarships
Two seniors from Pacific Ridge , an independent, non-profit college preparatory school, were announced among the roughly 16,000 semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program .
As semifinalists, Jaden Santiago of Carlsbad and Carter Simpson of San Diego have the opportunity to continue in the competition for the 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, worth nearly $26 million, which will be offered next spring.
"We're so proud of our students for their academic achievements," said Bob Ogle, head of school at Pacific Ridge in Carlsbad. "These are hard-working students who challenge themselves and we're excited for them when their efforts are recognized."
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance.
According to Kaplan Test Prep , semifinalists must complete the National Merit Scholarship application and essay, have a record of high academic performance from the ninth through twelfth grades, including any college courses, be endorsed and recommended for the scholarship by their school principal, take the SAT or ACT and earn scores comparable to their initial PSAT score and provide necessary documentation that the corporation requests.
"It's a reflection of all of the years of studying different concepts," Santiago said. "I'm glad I was able to perform well enough to receive this award."
About 95% of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title, according to the National Merit Scholarship Program .
Santiago hopes to attend school in New York City and pursue finance studies.
"(The process of making semifinals) is a reflection of my family, my school and myself," he said. "Every day I try my best to work as hard as I can to make those communities proud. Winning the (Merit Scholar title) would just be a reflection of all the hard work."
Eight additional Pacific Ridge seniors were commended by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation . While not semifinalists, they are part of a select group recognized for their academic promise, demonstrated by their performances on standardized tests.
These students' scores ranked among the top 50,000 in the nation: Jaden Cohen of Rancho Santa Fe, Audie Daly of Carlsbad, Ainsley Dolan of San Diego, Brandon Holland of Encinitas, David Leschensky of Encinitas, Camden Martin of Carlsbad, Nathan Silverman of Encinitas and Cameron Trueblood of Encinitas.
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individuals who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
