Three Pasadena Unified Seniors Named National Merit Finalists

L-R: Teresa Carbone, Elias Gee, Ian Timberg

Out of 1.6 million entrants, only 15,000 advance to finalist standing, with three from Pasadena Unified School District in the running for prestigious scholarships.

Three high school seniors from the Pasadena Unified School District have been named National Merit Scholarship finalists. Teresa Carbone and Elias Gee from Pasadena High School, along with Ian Timberg from Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, are among the 15,000 finalists out of 1.6 million entrants nationwide.

The three finalists are now in the running for the prestigious $2,500 National Merit award, as well as college-sponsored and corporate scholarships. Interim Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco congratulated the seniors, stating, “They exemplify our district’s vision for graduates: innovative thinkers and communicators prepared to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

High school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT, which serves as the initial screening tool. Teresa Carbone, who plans to attend a four-year university, has studied various dance styles, including ballet, tap, and hip-hop, in her high school dance classes. She credited her teachers for helping her “engage with the topics their classes covered on a deeper level.”

Elias Gee, enrolled in the Math Academy at Pasadena High School, aims to study mathematics at University of California, Santa Barbara’s College of Creative Studies and eventually earn a PhD. He is currently working on a research project on cluster algebras with the goal of publishing new results. Elias is also a varsity tennis player, treasurer of the Pasadena High School Robotics Club, a member and peer tutor in the National Honor Society, and president of the Math Club. He acknowledged his Math Academy teachers, saying they “have been key to developing my passion for math.”

Ian Timberg, a Marshall Eagle since 6th grade, will be attending Pomona College in Claremont after graduation. He has been actively involved in various drama productions such as Matilda, Almost, Maine, and Into the Woods, the All-Star 2023 Pasadena Unified School District production presented in collaboration with the Pasadena Playhouse. Ian has also been a defense lawyer in Mock Trial. His major is currently undecided, but he has a strong interest in anthropology, history, environmental science, and theater.

The National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in the coming months, recognizing the outstanding academic achievements of these promising young students.

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), 351 S. Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 396-3600 or visit www.pusd.us.