With the 2016-17 school year in full swing, congratulatory high fives are in order for four Deer Creek High School Students—Keegan Hart, Laurel Ivester, John Mathena and Noah Patton—all named as Semifinalists in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program.
They are part of an elite group of approximately 16,000 high school students across the United States who have demonstrated the responsibility and academic commitment it takes to show the potential for a high level of success in rigorous college curriculums.
These Antlers jumped through a variety of hoops in hopes of partaking in part of the $33 million worth of 7,500 scholarships to be awarded to students across the nation. Individually, Hart, Ivester, Mathena and Patton completed an application, consistently maintained a high academic record, wrote a qualifying essay, and obtained endorsement and recommendation from a Deer Creek school official. Finally, wiping the sweat from their brow, all four aced the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
As the dust settles on the preliminary round, Hart, Ivester, Mathena and Patton are now required to submit a detailed scholarship application containing information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and any honors and awards they have received to be considered a finalist. And, the odds look favorably for these Deer Creek students as it is predicted that 90% of all participants will advance to the finalist level.
Great work Keegan, Laurel, John and Noah!
Since 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program, along with 420 business organizations and higher education institutions have recognized over 3 million students, providing America’s youth with more than 414,000 scholarships totaling over $1.6 billion.