CBHS student is National Merit Program finalist

David Wahler is a finalist in a
prestigious scholarship
programme for high school
seniors

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

A Cayman Brac High School (CBHS) student is one of the finalists in a prestigious US scholarship programme that attracts approximately 1.3 million entrants each year.

David Wahler, a Year 12 student at CBHS is one of 15,000 finalists of the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships, open to citizens of the United States and permanent residents in the process of becoming a US citizen. 

High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and by meeting published program entry requirements.

Of the 1.3 million entrants, about 1% (roughly 50,000 students) with the highest scores in critical reading, math and writing skills, qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

In early September, about 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, are notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists. This year, just 49 students outside the US were named as Semifinalists.

In February, some 15,000 semifinalists are notified that they have advanced to Finalist standing. These students have fulfilled a set of requirements that include an outstanding high school academic record, endorsement by their high school principal, submission of SAT scores and a self-descriptive essay.

All winners of Merit Scholarship awards are chosen from the finalist group, based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments -- without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. 

Merit Scholarship awards, collectively worth over $32 million, will be given to approximately 8,200 students. Winners will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.

Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Mary Rodrigues, said, “I would like to congratulate David, his family and his school on this significant achievement. The National Merit Award focuses on identifying and encouraging academic excellence, and to be a finalist means that David is ranked among the top students in the US for his accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

“The Cayman Islands’ education system can be justly proud that one of our own students has been singled out in this way for such high recognition, and I trust that while David may be the first National Merit Scholar from our government schools, his success will inspire many other students to work towards similar goals.”

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