Three PWHS seniors achieve National Merit Scholarship Finalist status
Three PWHS seniors achieve National Merit Scholarship Finalist status
College Counselor Beth Lynch, Maddie Li, Aidan Robinette, Zach Halbert, Principal Dr. Jason Bacani
Plymouth Whitemarsh High School seniors Maddie Li, Aidan Robinette, and Zach Halbert have been named Finalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The three join the students recognized each year by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation who represent the top one percent of the high school seniors in the United States.
“Our students work extremely hard. To reach such a high standard is amazing,” said principal Dr. Jason Bacani. “We’re honored for them to represent Plymouth Whitemarsh High School at that level. We’re proud of them for sure.”
The Finalists’ journey began as juniors when they achieved top scores on the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)—earning them the title of Semifinalist. To become a Finalist, they had to submit a detailed scholarship application that highlighted their academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards. They also had to write an essay and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirmed their earlier performance on the PSAT/NMSQT®.
These academically talented seniors now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for three types of National Merit Scholarships that will be offered later in the spring:
- 2,500 National Merit $2,500 scholarships
- 1,000 corporate-sponsored scholarships
- 4,100 college-sponsored scholarships for Finalists who attend one of approximately 180 sponsor colleges and universities.
Maddie, Aiden, and Zach will be honored at the March 23 School Board meeting for their achievement.