Westridge Student Named National Merit Semi-Finalist; 12 Others Recognized

This fall, 13 Westridge seniors were recognized in the 62th annual National Merit Scholarship program. Samantha K.M. was named a Semifinalist, making her one of just 16,000 to earn this honor out of the 1.6 million students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

In addition, 10 seniors were named Commended Scholars, placing them in the top 50,000 of all PSAT/NMSQT test takers. They are: Johanna B., Kara E., Christie H., Jane H., Ariel L., Vivienne L., Amanda M., Koyuki S., Angela Y., Elaine Y.

Aisa C. and Juliana F. were selected for the National Hispanic Recognition Program, an invitation-based program that recognizes approximately 5,000 of the 250,000 Hispanic/Latino student who take the PSAT/NMSQT.

“We are so proud of our girls,” said Head of School Elizabeth McGregor. “They completely immerse themselves in learning, so it is not surprising they have received this recognition. They are outstanding students, but they are also more than serious students; they truly exemplify the breath of our school’s mission.”

As a Semifinalist, Samantha is qualified for a Merit Scholarship. Students submit a detailed scholarship application, including information on their academic history, participation in school and extra-curricular activities and leadership record, to be considered for Finalist designation and Merit Scholar awards. Twenty Westridge girls have been named National Merit Scholarship finalists in the past seven years.

Westridge School, 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, (626) 799-1053 ext. 200 or visit www.westridge.org.