Four Science Hill students named National Merit Finalists

Four Science Hill students have been named National Merit Finalists for the 67^th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, an honor achieved by less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors. The four Science Hill students include Sophia C. Cross (daughter of Ping and Robert Cross), Yeleeya Y. Li (daughter of Zhiwu Li and Yong Liu), Leon S. Sarkodie (son of Olga and Oduro Sarkodie) and Kyler D. Sood (son of Dhiraj and Sarika Sood). 

“We could not be prouder of our students who have been named National Merit Finalists,” Science Hill Principal Dr. Josh Carter said. “This distinction reflects the years of hard work and dedication these students have committed to their education.  We are honored to have them represent Science Hill.”

The finalists now will compete for 7,500 scholarships worth $31 million to be awarded in the spring by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, colleges and universities, and corporations and business organizations. These students entered the competition as high school juniors by taking the PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. Students with the highest PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index qualify for recognition. 

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1995. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year, with approximately 16,000 high school seniors nationwide named as semifinalists.