Congratulations to 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Student Arya Parikh

Each year, more than 1.5 million high school students across the nation enter the National Merit Scholarship Program competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Only 34,000 of those test-takers are recognized at Commended Students based on their exam score. As a Commended Student, Arya Parikh placed among the top 50,000 scorers in America. While it does not qualify her to continue on in the scholarship competition, it is an achievement to be proud of.

Arya credits her academic excellence on her perfectionism and competitive nature. While she is honored to be named a Commended Student, she says her Science Olympiad awards and dance graduation are the achievements that mean the most to her.

She plans to continue her academic journey in college although she is still undecided on where she will attend. However, she does plan to major in biology. She has been surrounded by doctors growing up and realized that she is interested in biology just like they are. While medical school is an option for Arya, she is not ruling out law school as another option.

Beyond the classroom, Arya spends her time reading or watching TV. She also has a love for jewelry.

Arya is one of five Westlake students to be recognized as Commended Students in the 2021 National Merit® Scholarship Program. As a Commended Student, Arya will receive a Letter of Commendation from Westlake High School and from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

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