Posted by
Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
on
5/8/2024 12:51:00 PM
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
Tampa, Fl. (May 8, 2024) – Hillsborough County Public Schools is proud to announce this year’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners, as released today by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®). The $2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 outstanding students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.
National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.
These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: their academic record, including difficulty of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
“Our students continue to challenge themselves by taking rigorous courses. This is an amazing accomplishment for these students, and I want to congratulate them,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “I would also like to send my sincere gratitude to their teachers for building a strong school culture where these students thrive and to their families for supporting their educational journey.”
Students may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
Congratulations to Hillsborough County Public Schools National Merit $2,500 Scholarship Winners:
Alexander M. Li, King High School
Barry Zheng, King High School
Rishab Talwani, Middleton High School
Kannon Gailey, Newsome High School
Sage A. Stark, Plant High School
Vikram R. Sambasivan, Robinson High School
Teja Katipalli, Strawberry Crest High School
Aarushi Pant, Strawberry Crest High School