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EDUCATION

Katianna Blackwell-Scott is named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

Cactus Shadows senior shines in and out of the classroom

Posted 9/29/20

Thec has announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program over the past few days.

National Merit officials report these high school …

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EDUCATION

Katianna Blackwell-Scott is named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

Cactus Shadows senior shines in and out of the classroom

Posted

Thec has announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program over the past few days.

National Merit officials report these high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million, which will be offered next spring.

Over 90% of the semifinalists are expected to attain “Finalist” standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, represents less than 1% of the U.S. high school seniors, a press release states.

To become a finalist, the candidate and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalists academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and write an essay.

Katianna Blackwell-Scott, Cactus Shadows senior, has achieved the Semifinalist level. Katianna has a 4.75 weighted GPA. She is ranked 8th in her class out of 477 students. She scored a perfect 36 on her ACT and 1470 on her PSAT. Katianna is a varsity/club diver and volunteers at the National Charity League, Mom’s Pantry, Teen Lifeline, and Puppy Love.