<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4fOKPx_0wB0i06800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4fOKPx_0wB0i06800" width="1200" height="800" ><figcaption>Fleuriana Elmaleh</figcaption></figure>To receive the prestigious National Merit Scholarship, a high school student needs to qualify for a PSAT score junior year and exceptional grades in their classes. Plant senior RileyNichols surpassed these expectations as a National Merit semi-finalist, the only girl chosen of four Plant students in all.As a person who maintains “high-level grades” in her classes, Nichols only needed an eligible PSAT score to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Therein, she succeeded with 1,460 out of 1,500.“I’ve always been good at standardized testing, so I wasn’t too surprised after getting a high score,” Nichols said. Once all the requirements were met regarding grades, test scores, and United States’ citizenship, Nichols just needed to wait for the verdict.“When I found out about this award, I was actually super stressed,” Nichols recalled. “Mrs. Castellano sent me an urgent message that was really ominous.” Thinking she was in trouble, Nichols proceeded to a room with the other three semi-finalists, where they were told the good news.“I was happy because of the award, but also relieved as they really had me thinking I was in trouble,” Nichols said.For the next steps of the process, she must write and submit an essay along with an application. Having put them forth on Sept. 25, 2024, Nichols hopes that “all goes well.” If she gets through this last portion of the National Merit Scholarship process as a finalist,she will receive $2,500.“It would be really amazing [to be a finalist], as I could put that towards college,” Nichols said. Once at university, she would like to major in business.“I have always been someone who has worked hard in school,” Nichols said. “It is something that really matters to me.” With this life-long dedication and determination in academics, Nichols is “super excited” to be a semi-finalist, as it is “a nice way to know that all the hard work [she] put into school has paid off, and that something [she] is doing is being recognized.”Nichols’ story is a lesson in hard work and determination, as students who put their time and effort into a rewarding system will be recognized by their achievements, earning well deserved encouragement for their dream futures.Design by caporcelli</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

National Merit Semi-Finalist Spotlight: Riley Nichols

To receive the prestigious National Merit Scholarship, a high school student needs to qualify for a PSAT score junior year and exceptional grades in their classes. Plant senior Riley. Nichols surpassed these expectations as a National Merit semi-finalist, the only girl chosen of four Plant students in all. As a...