Each October, students across the nation who are beginning their junior year of high school frantically shade in the circles spreading across the expanse of intimidating scantron sheets during the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). These students withstand three hours of hunched backs and sweaty palms in order to execute a respectable attempt at qualifying for the title of National Merit Scholar. After the lead tips of thousands of No. 2 pencils have been successfully eroded, the students’ PSAT scores are submitted to the National Merit Scholarship Committee, which condenses the applicant pool into only a highly achieving group of students with near flawless scores on their standardized tests.  Throughout a comprehensive application process, the Committee determines which students will be awarded sums of scholarship money to be utilized during their years in college or university.

Madison High School is both honored and proud to have provided the educational foundation for four National Merit Scholarship commended scholars, seniors Daniel Ahn, Michael Lebwohl, Lainie Rowland, and Matt Hauserman. This past spring, each of these students received a notification by the guidance office regarding their accomplishments as designated National Merit Scholarship commended scholars. In order for these four students to be considered for the title of semi-finalist and finalist, each of them must complete extensive applications, which include personal essays describing an experience or event that had a profound impact on their lives.

In the midst of editing her personal essay, Lainie Rowland expressed her gratitude to the National Merit Scholarship Committee. “This is such an incredible opportunity,” said Lainie, “I am so grateful. My whole family was so excited when we found out.”

Best of luck to our fellow students in their pursuit of National Merit Scholarships!