BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Four Beverly Hills High School students were recently named among an elite group of National Merit Scholarship finalists.
The program recognizes students with exceptional performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, outstnading academic records and leadership in their communities. In Beverly Hills, seniors Benjamin Bakshian, Tali Goldkorn, Andrew Smiler and Sarah Zhang were named finalists.
In the fall, more than 16,000 semifinalists were named as contenders to become a National Merit Scholar, and receive a $2,500 scholarship to help further their education. Roughly 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million will be awarded this spring, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
To become a finalist, semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application that provides information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. They must also be recommended by a high school official, receive SAT or ACT scores high enough to qualify, and write an essay.
About 95% of the semifinalists were expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists are expected to win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Winners will be announced between April and July.
“Being named a National Merit Finalist is an incredible achievement that reflects years of dedication, intellectual curiosity, and hard work,” said Drew Stewart, principal of Beverly Hills High School. “We are immensely proud of Benjamin, Tali, Andrew, and Sarah for this well-earned honor and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.”
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