Today officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced that Jackson Academy seniors Bailey Berry and Dev Sharma are semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
“The entire faculty and staff at Jackson Academy are thrilled to celebrate with Bailey and Dev! Students who achieve recognition in the National Merit program demonstrate both a natural gift and talent for learning and a commitment to academic excellence,” said Head of Upper School Brandi Richardson. “Students are selected to the National Merit program for their outstanding performance in reading, writing and language, and mathematics on the PSAT/NMSQT taken during their junior year. Bailey and Dev are tremendous students who contribute greatly to our classroom environment, and we are proud of their academic accomplishments.”
National Merit selects Merit Scholars based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. The academically talented semifinalists named today will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million awarded next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. National Merit expects 95 percent of the semifinalists to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
Look for an upcoming video in which Bailey and Dev share their thoughts on academic success, extracurricular activities, and what JA means to them!
