At Miami Palmetto Senior High, three driven, hardworking students received recognition for their academic capabilities and success. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes academically talented students across the nation. Each year, semifinalists are selected on a state-representational basis. Within Florida, 972 semifinalists were chosen from 260 schools, and 1,573 commended students. In total, 1,373,778 students from 18,966 schools entered the National Merit Scholarship program. These students are selected based on their 2023 PSAT/NMSQT scores.
National Merit Semifinalist Jaya Castro recalls how she received the award.
“I remember I was in Mrs. Tuttle’s class, and then she went to me, and she said, ‘Oh since you’re done with your test, you have to go talk to Miss Dwyer.’ And I was like, ‘Okay.’ I was wondering what happened. So I go see Miss Dwyer, and then she gives me a big hug, and then she shows me the paper. It was super cute,” Castro said.
Seniors Katerina Cepero and Sabina Khizroev were happy to be accredited as well.
“I was happy. I mean, I kind of knew I had a pretty high score, and I had a good chance, so me and Sabina walked out knowing what to expect,” Cepero said.
Not only does the NMS come with national recognition, but it is also a chance for scholars to network and connect with numerous scholarship organizations and communities.
“Obviously, it looks really good on your resume, but overall, it’s kind of an award to commend you for doing well on your PSAT as a semifinalist, at least. And then obviously if you get to be a finalist, and then you’re selected, then you can win money. And also I think you can also get corporate scholarships too … so your parent’s workplace can give you scholarships,” Castro said.
Colleges around the nation recognize these top students for their academic excellence.
“I know it helps you apply for other scholarships … So for some schools, you can get paid more on top. I’m really happy about that. And then I know you also get some money if you become a finalist,” Khizroev said.
MPSH’s scholars are proud to receive the recognition and guide underclassmen who hope to receive the award to work hard, focus and believe in themselves.
“Be confident in yourself. I guess for me, at least, the biggest problem I have with that kind of stuff is a lack of confidence. Thinking that I can’t do it, but I’ll know what to do. I have the knowledge that I need to do it. I just don’t feel confident. Know that you can do it,” Cepero said.
