|
February 29, 2024
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing in the world is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
~ Calvin Coolidge
To be a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship is a remarkable achievement. The National Merit Scholarship Program, administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), recognizes and rewards outstanding high school students across the United States. However, this recognition is not easily attained; it requires meeting specific criteria and demonstrating exceptional academic performance.
Students first must achieve a PSAT score in the top 1% nationwide. A student must also meet criteria surrounding their academic coursework and achievement. Other requirements include a comprehensive application detailing extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, and a personal essay.
Any high school would be honored to have a single National Merit Finalist amongst its senior class. Scottsdale Prep is blessed with five! While this designation may seem to be solely a testament to a student’s academic intellectual prowess. I would posit that this honor is a culmination of moral virtues, faithfully applied over a long period of time and speaks more to the character of the recipient than his/her intellectual ability.
In most cases, beautiful minds are made, not born. When young people practice the virtues of diligence, responsibility, and persistence in dedication to their academic pursuits, nothing is impossible. This framing is a much larger compliment than simply being recognized as “talented” or “gifted”.
So, congratulations to Tucker Flynn, Annika Kimery, Andrew Kulhan, Sumedh Seetharam, and Christian Song! We are proud of your accomplishment and in awe of the road you have traveled to arrive at this place. May you never lose your sense of wonder and dedication to the pursuit of truth.
| 
