North Judson-San Pierre High School Senior, John Eckert, has been named a 2012 National Merit Finalist. He talks about the program and how one is chosen as a National Merit Finalist.
“It’s a nationally sponsored program that gives scholarship money and recognition to top students around the country,” explained Eckert. “To become a semi-finalist, they look at your PSAT and SAT scores and if you do well there and you’re named a semi-finalist then you’re required to submit an application and an essay, basically like a college application. Then they take a look at all of the semi-finalists and they choose four or five thousand from around the country and they’re recognized as some of the top students in America in their graduating class.”
He says he could see some great scholarship opportunities with this honor.
“It’s a nice honor and recognition; but also, many colleges give scholarships for national merit finalists. Some places even give a full ride for National Merit Scholars. It could be anywhere from $3,000-$4,000 a year all the way up to that full ride.”
Eckert has been involved in many activities high school; including basketball and track and he has also volunteered during the Mint Festival and as a math tutor for law-achieving students. He was the National Math Exam School winner in 2009 and he has been on the high honor roll for seven semesters. He will be majoring in math or science when he ventures off to college this fall, but the Valedictorian hasn’t chosen a college, yet.
“I haven’t decided yet. There are several places I’m still considering, but a lot of it will come down to scholarship money and how much it’s going to cost me.”
Being chosen a National Merit Scholar is a great accomplishment for Eckert and also a great distinction for the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation.
“We’re strong in a lot of things and academics are one of them. Our teachers are doing a great job and I certainly would have never been able to accomplish this without all of the great teachers and classes I’ve had and all of the knowledge I’ve gained during my time here.”
How well did John do on the SATs?
“I scored a 2330 out of 2400, so I was pretty happy with that.”
