Beverly Hills High School celebrates five National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education convened on September 10, 2024, to discuss various educational initiatives and recognize student achievements. The meeting began with a report indicating no actions were taken during the closed session.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Beverly Hills High School's National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. The board celebrated the achievement of five students this year, a significant increase from just one semifinalist last year. This accomplishment reflects the academic excellence within the school, as these students were selected from a larger pool of over a dozen commended students.

The discussion then shifted to the importance of standardized testing, specifically the PSAT and SAT. It was noted that each October, freshmen and juniors participate in the PSAT, which serves as a preparatory tool for the SAT. The PSAT assesses students' skills in evidence-based reading, writing, and math, helping them identify areas for improvement before taking the SAT.

The board acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Seaman, who introduced the PSAT/SAT suite to BHHS in February 2019, with support from Dr. Berge and the board. This initiative has provided students with valuable data to gauge their achievement on a national level and has ensured that they can take the SAT at their school, alleviating concerns about securing test sites, especially in light of recent challenges faced by students in California.

The meeting also addressed the evolving landscape of college admissions, noting a trend where selective schools are reinstating standardized test requirements after a period of making them optional. Schools mentioned included prestigious institutions such as MIT, Yale, and Stanford.

In conclusion, the BHUSD Board of Education meeting underscored the district's commitment to supporting student achievement through standardized testing and recognized the outstanding accomplishments of its students, setting a positive tone for the academic year ahead.