By Kyle Roberts
The trio of Chaz Backhaus, Jodi Dunbar and Thomas Rogers have all been named National Merit Finalists after advancing past the semifinal round back in September of last year.
“What an amazing accomplishment for those three students,” Ruston High principal Dan Gressett said. “Jodi, Thomas, and Chaz are tremendous students, and we couldn’t be more proud of them. To have all three be named as finalists is pretty special. But I’m not surprised at all– they deserve it. We’re glad they’re Bearcats, for sure.”
Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
The round of students that has advanced to the finals will be in competition for National Merit Scholarships from three categories:
1. National Merit $2500 Scholarships. (2500 single payment awards)
2. Corporate sponsored Merit Scholarships (about 840 awards issued to student meeting specific standards or criteria set by various company sponsors of National Merit)
3. College-sponsored Merit Scholarships. (Awarded by the institute the finalist wishes to attend)
Finalists will need to submit their first choice college by March 1 to be considered for college-sponsored awards.
National Merit will begin notifying finalists of various awards by mid-March.
The complete timeline is as follows:
April 24 – Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners
May 8 – National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners
June 5 and July 15 – College-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners
