11 St. Vrain students named National Merit semifinalists; board recognized candidates at meeting
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Summary
The St. Vrain Valley School District recognized 11 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists at a board meeting where students introduced themselves and described coursework, extracurriculars and college plans; board members praised their academic and community contributions.
The St. Vrain Valley School District on Wednesday recognized 11 students named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and invited them to introduce themselves to the school board.
A district representative told the board the National Merit Scholarship Program draws about 1.3 million U.S. students who enter through the PSAT/NMSQT; roughly 16,000 become semifinalists nationally and fewer than 300 typically qualify in Colorado. "We are so very proud of them," the presenter said, noting all 11 St. Vrain semifinalists were present.
Students from across the district spoke about their coursework and plans. Luke Potts of Mead High School said he will have completed 18 Advanced Placement courses and some college calculus and plans to study computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence: "My dream school is Carnegie Mellon. So if anybody has any tips, I would love some advice," he said.
Other semifinalists described heavy academic schedules and extracurricular commitments: Jonathan Howard of Longmont High School said he will have taken 16 AP courses and participates in VEX robotics, CyberPatriot and speech and debate; Ashley Berkowitz of Skyline High School said she has taken about 11 AP classes, serves as her Model UN secretary general and plans to study international affairs.
Board members and attendees emphasized the students' broader community contributions as well as their academic achievement. One board member said the students are "not just scholars, but great contributors to our community," and another called their accomplishments "an honor to stand amongst." Board members also asked parents and principals present to stand so the room could recognize them.
The recognition was followed by brief remarks from Morgan McDonald, a Mead High School senior and student advisory council member who said she is pursuing a nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy.
The board did not take any formal action linked solely to the recognition. The district's achievement presentation and consent agenda followed later in the meeting.