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Congratulations to Avon Lake High School seniors Mary Bigenho, Jack Fink and Dylan Missal, named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists from the National Merit Scholarship Program (bios below and photo attached, students left to right in photo, Jack Fink, Mary Bigenho and Dylan Missal).
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a not-for-profit organization that awards scholarships to high school seniors annually. This year, program officials selected 16,000 Semifinalists out of 1.3 million juniors from across 21,000 high schools nationwide. Semifinalists are chosen based on preliminary SAT scores.
These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
“We are proud of Mary, Jack, and Dylan for earning this remarkable accomplishment, highlighting their commitment to their education and school community,” said Michael May, Avon Lake High School principal. “This achievement not only reflects their exceptional talents, but also Avon Lake High School’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a legacy of academic excellence. Our nationally ranked high school continues to empower and inspire all students to reach their highest potential, creating a bright future for each and every member of our school community.”
For more information on the National Merit Scholarship Program, go to nationalmerit.org.
Avon Lake High School National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists:
Mary Bigenho, 17
High school activities: Diversity Club (president), M.I.N.D. Club (president), Book Club (president), IMMIX, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Math Club, Peer Leaders. Debate Club • Hobbies: Reading, singing, playing with her dog, spending time with her nephews and niece • Colleges of interest: Wellesley College, Davidson College, The College of William & Mary, Queens University, Vanderbilt University, Yale University • Possible major(s): Sociology, Political Science, Humanities, History • Parents: Alison Smith (mother)
Jack Fink, 17
High school activities: Robotics, Math Team • Hobbies: Skiing, robotics, programming, video games • Colleges of interest: University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University, Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • Possible major(s): Computer Science • Parents: Stephen and Tamara Fink
Dylan Missal, 18
High school activities: Academic Challenge, Math Club, Peer Leaders, National Honor Society • Hobbies: Piano, karate, reading, watching and analyzing sports • Colleges of interest: University of Alabama, University of Richmond, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame • Possible major(s): Math, Physics • Parents: Kevin and Patricia Missal • Dylan also earned a Perfect Score (36) on the ACT last year.
