Boca, Delray students named National Merit scholars

By Celeste Corrales

The PSAT’s may seem like a practice test for many, but for the 8,200 winners of the National Merit Scholarship Program, the test means a chance to win $2500 towards college.

Dating back to 1955, the national Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has funded millions of dollars in honor of students who show embracing talent and skills in academics and community activities throughout high school.

Finalists for the awards are based on each student’s academic record, scores from PSAT, leadership skills, and community activities. 15,000 Semifinalists are then narrowed down by academic standards, including difficulty of subjects studied and grades, an essay describing interests and goals, and recommendation from a high school official.

A thousand corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards were named this month.

Dustin R. Katzin of Spanish River, Carlos J. Oliu and Heather O. Stanci of Boca Raton Community High School, and Eduardo J. Contijoch of Atlantic High in Delray Beach were among the thousands of 2008 National Merit Scholarship winners.

More than 4,600 college-sponsored recipients will be named on May 28 and July 14. A nationwide total of $36 million will be distributed by the end of this year.

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