32 JULY 2023 By Rachael Bouley Six 2023 high school graduates from around Arcadia will start off their college careers with little extra help, thanks to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Sebastian Brock from Arcadia High, Quinn Dorward from Brophy Prep, Eliana Jaffee and Tyler Tam from Phoenix Country Day School, and Alanna Nowlen and Evelynn Papez from Xavier Prep are part of 2,500 Merit Scholar designees nationwide, chosen from 15,000 finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Each of them received National Merit Scholarships for $2,500 to support future plans. Matthew Budreau, Director of Public Information at the national corporation, acknowledges the high standards of the 68th annual program. “By the conclusion, more than 7,140 finalists will have earned the Merit Scholar title and received nearly $28 million in college scholarships,” Budreau said. In addition to the National Merit Scholarship, corporate-sponsored and college-sponsored scholarships are awarded to finalists. It’s all part of a prestigious academic competition that recognizes high-achieving students and helps them reach their educational goals. “We are so proud of each student who competes in our program, and we know they will go on to do great things,” Budreau said. “These students are our country’s future leaders and innovators, and their hard work deserves recognition.” Scholarship eligibility is based on PSAT and NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) scores and consistently high academic performance throughout grades 9-12. Xavier’s Evelynn Papez was excited to be named a finalist after balancing challenging academics and archery ambitions. “I worked really hard to perform well, so I was grateful it paid off,” Evelynn said. “I am glad that I was successful academically and also made an impact in the community on the archery team.” The scholarship will support her promising future as she sets her sights on a career in medicine. “I am attending Purdue University as a first-year engineering student in the Honors College. I plan to major in biomedical engineering and pursue a career as a pediatrician,” she said. Sebastian Brock was ecstatic to receive such prestigious recognition for his academic accomplishments. “My reaction to winning the National Merit Scholarship was one of surprise, gratitude, and immense pride,” Sebastian said. “It’s one thing to believe in yourself, but it’s even more heartening to know that other people also have faith in your potential.” The AHS co-valedictorian plans to maximize his scholarship as he pursues his professional goals and personal interests. “In the fall, I’ll attend the University of Notre Dame as an aerospace engineering major with a minor in engineering corporate practice. Alongside classes, I’ll join several music and engineering organizations, including the Fighting Irish marching band, jazz band, robotics and rocketry club.” Brophy’s Quinn Dorward was also excited to learn of his National Merit status. “It was a genuine honor to be named a National Merit Scholar. When I first heard the news, I felt so proud,” Quinn said. “More than anything, I felt gratitude for those who helped me develop both academically and personally throughout high school: my teachers, parents, friends, and those who have mentored me in my co-curricular activities.” Quinn will take the lessons he learned at Brophy into his next chapter across the country at Princeton. “I plan on majoring in the School of Public and International Affairs before attending law school. For a career, I hope to become a diplomat working in Latin America.” nationalmerit.org Area students win scholarship through national program If you are currently working with an agent, please disregard. NATHAN ANDERSON + PAUL NICOLETTI 480.888.5800 | NATEANDPAUL.COM SCAN HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR PRIVATE TOUR. to all that joined us for our Catalina Wine Mixer. Because of you it was a tremendous success! We had a wonderful time connecting with the neighborhood and sharing our latest projects with you! THANK YOU 4244 E CATALINA DRIVE | ARCADIA LITE | OFFERED AT $2,250,000 SCAN HERE for our latest videos! ROC #314154 JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY FEELING LEFT OUT? WANTED: SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS Deadline: Tuesday, August 8 Send to: editor@arcadianews.com or instagram: @arcadianews Your photo may be featured on the cover! Your photo may be featured on the cover! Check out this year’s summer vacation photo spread to see where Arcadia spent the summer! PAGE 32 The sixth-annual Good Soles drive donated over 600 pairs of shoes to Child Crisis Arizona. PAGE 25 Four Arcadia High seniors plan to spend their last year of high school conquering the volleyball court. PAGE 47 TWO PAIR OF GOOD SOLES SENIOR SPOTLIGHT SUMMER PHOTOS ARCADIA • BILTMORE • CAMELBACK CORRIDOR SEPTEMBER 2022 VOL. 30 NO. 6 SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS THAT MADE OUR COVER: 2021: Avianna and Antonella Klein at Mount Rushmore. 2022: Henry McCarty (with Zane Gulick behind) at the Arizona Country Club. PLEASE INCLUDE : Names of the people in the photo, Names of the people in the photo, where you went and what you did. SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO editor@arcadianews.com

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