Hannah Powers is Commended Student in 2021 National Merit® Scholarship Program

Hannah Powers joins four other Westlake High Schools students recognized as Commended Students in the 2021 National Merit® Scholarship program. Each year, more than 1.5 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Only 34,000 students receive Commended Student status, which is a tremendous honor.

As a part of the recognition, Hannah will receive a Letter of Commendation from Westlake High School and from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program.

Hannah credits her motivation to succeed from the internal drive that her parents helped instill in her from a very young age.

“I love to push myself and challenge myself with hard classes,” said Hannah. “My most meaningful accomplishment was my AP scholar with distinction award because it was actual tangible recognition of all the hard work that I’ve been putting in these past few years.”

Hannah plans to attend college next year, although she is still undecided on where she will go, she would like to double major in political science and economics. She plans to begin the pre-law track because AP government with Mr. Patton was her favorite class.

“I find government and politics fascinating, and I feel like that would be a great track for me to pursue!”

Out of school, Hannah can be found at the ice rink. She is a competitive synchronized skater and has loved being on the ice since the first time she stepped on it at the age of 7. She even teaches ice skating at the North Olmsted Recreation Center.

“This is one of my favorite things to do; seeing a child’s face light up when they finally master a new skill or pass a tricky class is truly one of the best parts of my job.”

Learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Program and NMSC by visiting www.nationalmerit.org.