National Merit Scholar Program Names Eight WCSD Finalists
Reno, NV (March 18, 2011) - Eight Washoe County high school students are in the running to become National Merit Scholar Program winners this spring, competing for a chance to earn one of more than 8,000 scholarships worth more than $36 million combined.
This year's finalists are Danielle Geerling and Mary Stachofsky from Galena High; Illeah Kirchoff from TMCC High; Lisa Bryant and Alexandra Vallas from Reno High; Steven M. Stozza and Michelle M. Duggan from Spanish Springs High and Brin Smith from Wooster High.
"We are extremely proud of each one of these students," said Superintendent Heath Morrison. "The journey to become a National Merit Scholar starts long before graduation and requires years of commitment. Being named a National Merit finalist is a true testament to their dedication in the classroom and in the community. I am looking forward to shaking each one of their hands when they walk across the graduation stage in May."
Students who participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program take the PSAT no later than their junior years, must be enrolled as a high school student and plan to enroll fulltime in college during the fall after they have completed high school and be a U.S. citizen. The program eventually selects the semifinalists and contacts them in early September. Finalists are named and notified in February. Winners are chosen based on their abilities and accomplishments.
These eight students were pared down to the final round from approximately 15,000 students. Merit Scholar winners will be selected based on their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in challenging college courses.
"It's wonderful to have Washoe County School District represented by such amazing students," said WCSD Board President Barbara McLaury. "We always seek to challenge our students, help them thrive and inspire them to achieve their best. I wish these students the best of luck for the final round."
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About Washoe County School District: The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every child career and college ready.
For more information visit: www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89520
