Avon High School Boasts Record Number of National Merit Semifinalists

Avon High School is pleased to announce that a record six seniors have been named 2022 National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (names and bios below). There are approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring.

“We are tremendously excited for our scholars,” said Kristina Buller, Avon High School principal. “On average, Avon tends to see one to three students named, and learning there are six was extra exciting.”

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. Semifinalists must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. Finalist winners will be announced in February.

: Riyaz Ahuja

: Jared Diaz

: Ethan Nagamos

: Angela Pedersen

: Ryan Pitasky

: Elizabeth White

Congratulations to the six Avon High School students listed below.

Riyaz Ahuja, 16 – Parents: Manav and Annie Ahuja • High school activities: Band, Symphony orchestra, Jazz band, National Honor Society • Hobbies: Rock climbing • Potential college(s): University of California Berkeley, University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), Stanford University • Potential major(s): Dual major in math and physics

Jared Diaz, 17 – Parents: Christine and Derek Diaz • High school activities: Jazz band, Concert band, Orchestra – Winds- Percussion, Academic Challenge Team, A cappella, Bowling Team • Hobbies: Programming, fishing • Potential college(s): Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Michigan • Potential major(s): Computer science

Ethan Nagamos, 17 – Parents: Rochelle and Eber Nagamos • High school activities: Model United Nations • Hobbies: Working out, drawing, music • Potential college(s): Caldwell University (New Jersey), Stevens Institute of Technology (New Jersey) • Potential major(s): Biochemistry, bio medical

Angela Pedersen, 17 – Parents: Rob and Kelly Pedersen • High school activities: Chamber orchestra, Symphonic orchestra, Avon Electric Orchestra, Robotics, Student Council • Hobbies: Sewing, knitting, music • Potential college(s): Northwestern University, University of Cincinnati • Potential major(s): Engineering (architectural or chemical)

Ryan Pitasky, 17 – Parents: Paula and Seth Pitasky • High school activities: Marching band, Robotics Club, Concert band, Jazz band • Hobbies: Programming, music • Potential college(s): Case Western Reserve University • Potential major(s): Computer science

Elizabeth White, 17 – Parents: Amy and William White • High school activities: Cross country, Dance Team, Track, Student Council, Key Club • Hobbies: Painting, drawing, playing with my cat • Potential college(s): Case Western Reserve University, Washington University in St. Louis • Potential major(s): Biology (pre-med track)