The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Avon High School boasts record number of National Merit Semifinalists
Avon High School announced that a record six seniors have been named 2022 National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
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, in a news release from the school.
“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.
Bios of the six Avon High School students are 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)