Six Gilbert Public Schools student earn national scholarship

Six Gilbert Public Schools students have earned National Merit Scholarships.

The scholarships recognize exceptional academic achievement and provide financial support of $500 to $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study.

Representing Campo Verde High, Gilbert Classical Academy, Gilbert High, and Highland High, the students have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and leadership within their schools and communities.

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes outstanding high school juniors who excel on the Preliminary SAT (PSAT), which serves as an initial screen of program entrants. Fewer than 1% of seniors nationwide become semifinalists based on their state's performance.

To become finalists and compete for scholarships, semifinalists submit detailed applications that include an essay and information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions.

Students must also have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and earn SAT or ACT scores confirming qualifying test performance. Ultimately, only half of the finalists earn the Merit Scholarship award.

Regan E. Birk from Gilbert Classical Academy earned the National Merit Indiana University Bloomington Scholarship in her pursuit of a career in finance.

Gabriel Lopez of Gilbert High School earned the National Merit  The University of Arizona Scholarship with aspirations to work in computer science.

William Stecker, a Campo Verde High graduate aspiring to work in politics, earned the National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship.

Lazar Tuba and Jostin Joseph from Highland High and Victoria Wang from Gilbert Classical Academy received the National Merit Arizona State University Scholarship where they will study engineering.

“Earning a National Merit Scholarship is a remarkable achievement," Marcie Taylor, assistant superintendent of secondary education at Gilbert Public Schools, said in a release. "These students have not only demonstrated exceptional academics, but also a strong commitment to making a positive impact on their communities."