18 JUNE 2024 By Mallory Gleich The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes students with the highest performance on the PSAT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). To become a finalist, students must have an academic record and other test scores consistent with their PSAT performance. About 50,000 students nationwide are recognized. Of those, 34,000 receive commendations, and 16,000 are semifinalists. From there, 15,000 semifinalists become finalists, and around half of the finalists are scholarship winners. About 1.5 million students take the PSAT every year. Students are notified early in their senior years if they received a commendation or semifinalist recognition. Semifinalists must complete a secondary application, including a transcript, letter of recommendation and an essay. Students may receive scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, partnering businesses, organizations, or colleges. Here are the Arcadia area finalists. Lauren received a corporate scholarship f r o m N o r t h r o p Grumman, amounting to $2,000 annually. She will be attending Boston University in the fall and majoring in film and television. “I love writing scripts and hope to hone this skill at BU so I can one day write a full-length feature film or write for SNL – two of my biggest dreams. I will miss the strong support of the staff at AHS,” Lauren said. “The encouragement I received from the Arcadia faculty was unmatched. Mrs. Dukelow, Mr. King, Ms. Zubia, and Mr. Fairchild were always available and ready to meet my needs, lend a hand and provide unwavering support.” Lauren also shouted out the College and Career Center, Dr. Steen and Mrs. Treon: “They were beyond helpful. Whether it was reading my college essays and providing advice, helping me draft emails, or recommending scholarships to apply to, they were there to make my post-graduation dreams possible,” Lauren said. “I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful faculty to rely on, and I will miss all of them.” Mary was offered the National Merit Finalist Scholarship Package at the University of Alabama, which covers tuition, room and board, and stipends for books, research, and other expenses. After graduation, Mary will spend 18 months on a mission with her church in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Afterward, she plans to attend either the University of Alabama or GCU to study finance. “I was able to put my scholarship at UA on hold, so I will be able to use it when I get back from my mission,” Mary said. “I will miss the Veritas community the most. I formed a tight group of friends there, and I will miss seeing them every day.” Abigail and Cara were awarded $2,500 scholarships. Abigail will attend Northwestern University this fall to study physics, while Cara will head to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study mechanical engineering. “I will miss the people most after graduation,” Cara said. “I am so grateful for the friendships and the wonderful teachers I’ve had over my four years who undoubtedly made a huge impact on my journey and who I am today.” Sonya also won $2,500 to further her college education. She will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the Huntsman International Studies and Business program. “Through this program, I’ll receive dual degrees and plan to study statistics or behavioral economics through the Wharton School of Business and International Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences,” Sonya said. Harper won the National Merit ViaSat Scholarship. She will receive $1,000 per year toward her college education at the University of California San Diego. “I am majoring in biology, specializing in bioinformatics,” Harper said. “I will miss the supportive environment that an all-girls school provides. Xavier creates a motivating and inspiring culture that has allowed me to grow beyond my expectations.” Ava is attending Boston University and plans to double major in TV/film management and data science. She was awarded the $25,000 per year Presidential Scholarship. Nathan will attend Yale this fall and plans to study ethics, politics and economics. His $2,500 scholarship will help pay for tuition. “ I’l l m is s t he b r o t h e r h o o d I’ve cherished for the past four years at Brophy and the amazing faculty and teachers who do so much to support us,” Nathan said. Charles was awarded an Honorary National Merit Scholarship, which he received in lieu of a scholarship. He is headed to Trinity College in Dublin to study joint honors computer science and linguistics. “I’m delighted to receive the award and excited to make the most of my time in Dublin, taking courses in the Irish language and participating in student societies,” Charles said. “I will miss participating in Speech & Debate alongside Nathan. It meant so much to me as a space for discourse, self- expression and community, and my time competing at tournaments with incredible people is something I’ll carry with me throughout my life.” National Merit Finalists include several area students Ava Silvernail, semifinalist Mackenzie Lopez, Abigail Pearson, Cara Schillinger, Sonya Colattur, Harper Hipps. PHOTO: LISA ZUBA Lauren Matz Mary Herbert Nathan Cai Charles Judd REAL ESTATE REAL COMMITMENT relentlessly local™ real estate experts • Combined Real Estate Experience of 36+ Years • Concierge Style Service • Bespoke Marketing Program • Arizona Natives DALLAS PEAGLER, REALTOR® 602.821.9494 | Dallas@TheBrokery.com BREENA WESTFALL, REALTOR® 480.266.8313 | Breena@TheBrokery.com
On the list of most popular months to visit Old Town Scottsdale, June makes a compelling argument to be number one. What began as a fun concept to kick off summer before the heat set in, June Days has become a celebration of all things that make this area so unique. With daily activities and events – stadium tours, scavenger hunts, fitness pop-ups, tequila pairings, breakfast at the farmer’s market, stories & sweets, live music – June Days leaves visitors with suntans and sunshiny demeanors, and a yearning to return again for more signature Old Town fun. OldTownScottsdaleAZ.com VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR