Four Dysart Unified School District students have been named commended students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Students receiving the letter of commendation include Marissa Le’Levier from Shadow Ridge High School, and Andrea Cosio, Fatem Kadhem and Aiden Pinuelas, all from Valley Vista High School.

About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise this year through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Commended students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“We are so proud of these students for their outstanding work. They have demonstrated their exceptional academic abilities and success, and we are honored that we have had the opportunity to help them hone their skills and advance their education,” said Dr. Jim Dean, DUSD interim superintendent. “We look forward to seeing what the future brings for these bright young minds.”

Cosio stated she hopes to attend Harvard or ASU and major in chemical engineering with a goal to pursue the study of alternative fuels. She enjoys using her imagination and likes to paint, write, read and has an interest in avant garde music/musicians and art museums.

Kadhem plans to make the most of senior year by establishing a garden on campus. After graduation, the hope is to attend Arizona State University, major in mechanical engineering and minor in French. She enjoys reading and crocheting.

Le’Levier plans to go to a university and pursue becoming a neonatologist. In her free time she enjoys playing softball and golf, drawing and hanging out with friends.

Pinuelas has a goal of majoring in history and becoming a professor. He loves playing board games, and has collected over 150 of them. His hobbies include reading, playing the piano and violin and drawing.