Semifinalists for National Achievement Program Announced

Students from Patrick Henry, Mira Mesa, San Diego Met and Scripps Ranch high schools are semifinalists in the 2013 National Achievement Program, a prestigious academic scholarship that pays $2,500 or more.

Open only to African American high school students, the students are: Rachel Miller-Haughton, Alexandra G. Shade, Patrick Henry; Nicole M. Hardson-Hurley, Mira Mesa; Hannah V. Brown, San Diego Met; Lydia M. Johnson and Bethlehem Y. Lema, Scripps Ranch High School.

"These are among the most difficult scholarships for students to obtain," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "I know I join all staff and students in our district in wishing these semi-finalists good luck in their efforts."

The National Achievement Scholarship Program, conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Program, is a privately financed academic competition that operates without government assistance. It was initiated in 1964 to recognize academically promising black students throughout the nation and to provide scholarships to a substantial number of the most outstanding program participants. To date, more than 31,900 young men and women have received Achievement Scholarship awards worth more than $100 million.

To advance to the Finalist level in the competition, the Semifinalist and their high school must submit a detailed scholarship application in which they provide information about the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and educational goals. Semifinalists must present a record of high academic performance throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn sat scores that confirm their PSAT/NMSQT performance.

For more information on the program, students should see their school counselor.