After reaching semifinalist status last September, six VPS students in February 2021 were named finalists in the not-for-profit National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s eponymous program.

From Columbia River High School

  • Jenna Chinn
  • Dominick D’Emilio

From Skyview High School

  • Liyu Huang
  • Annika Meunier
  • Benjamin Richter
  • Ryan Welch

Semifinalist status is awarded based on scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Becoming a finalist requires additional actions including completing an application, demonstrating a very high academic record, writing an essay and securing recommendation by a school official.

Merit Scholars
Chinn, D’Emilio, Huang and Richter all went on to earn the title of Merit Scholar based on their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies. These Merit Scholars also received scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation or sponsoring universities.

  • Huang: National Merit $2,500 scholarship. Probable career field: Medical research
  • D’Emilio: National Merit University of Arizona scholarship. Probable career field: Engineering
  • Richter: National Merit Florida State University scholarship. Probable career field: Accounting
  • Chinn: National Merit Santa Clara University scholarship. Probable career field: Computer science