Beverly Hills Honors Four High School National Merit Finalists

Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Celebrating academic excellence at Beverly Hills High School.

News Summary

Beverly Hills High School celebrates the achievement of four seniors who have been named finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Benjamin Bakshian, Tali Goldkorn, Andrew Smiler, and Sarah Zhang have showcased outstanding academic abilities and leadership skills. As finalists, they are in the running for National Merit Scholarships, which can significantly aid in their pursuit of higher education. The community takes pride in these students and their contributions, eagerly anticipating the announcement of scholarship winners later this year.

Beverly Hills Celebrates Four High School Seniors as National Merit Scholarship Finalists

The city of Beverly Hills is buzzing with excitement as four talented seniors from Beverly Hills High School have been recognized as finalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. The standout group includes Benjamin Bakshian, Tali Goldkorn, Andrew Smiler, and Sarah Zhang, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional academic talent and commitment to their community.

What is the National Merit Scholarship Program?

The National Merit Scholarship Program celebrates bright high school students for their impressive scores on the PSAT/NMSQT, stellar academic performances, and their roles as leaders in their communities. In the fall, more than 16,000 semifinalists were identified, each vying for prestigious scholarships that can help pave their way to higher education.

Scholarship Details

As part of the program, a total of about 6,870 National Merit Scholarships valued at almost $26 million will be awarded this spring. Each engaged finalist is eligible for a scholarship of at least $2,500, which can significantly ease the financial burden of attending college.

Finalist Qualifications

To attain finalist status, the semifinalists had to complete a comprehensive scholarship application that encompasses a variety of criteria. This includes:

Academic record: Strong grades and courses taken throughout high school.
Participation in school and community activities: Involvement in extracurriculars and local events.
Demonstrated leadership abilities: Evidence of taking charge and leading initiatives.
Employment experience: Jobs that contribute to their personal and professional development.
Honors and awards received: Acknowledgment for various achievements.

In addition to these criteria, finalists need a positive recommendation from a high school official, strong SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay showcasing their thoughts and aspirations.

Advancement and Awards

Nationally, approximately 95% of semifinalists are expected to achieve finalist status, allowing them a shot at scholarship awards. Typically, about half of those finalists can look forward to receiving a National Merit Scholarship, earning them the esteemed title of Merit Scholar.

What’s Next?

The winners of the 70th annual National Merit Scholarships will be revealed between April and July, and anticipation is building as students await the exciting results.

Community Pride

Beverly Hills High School’s Principal Drew Stewart has expressed pride in these finalists for their dedication, intellectual curiosity, and hard work. It’s a proud moment for the school and the community, as National Merit semifinalists boast a select status, representing less than 1% of high school seniors nationally. The competition is fierce, and students have worked hard to earn their spotlight based on their performance on the PSAT.

About the National Merit Scholarship Corporation

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is an independent non-profit organization aiming to foster academic excellence and reward dedicated students. This vital program continues to empower bright minds, helping them achieve their dreams of higher education as they embark on their future paths.

For the family and friends of these four exceptional individuals—and indeed, the entire community of Beverly Hills—this evening is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and spirit of achievement that these young scholars embody.