Congratulations to Cibola Senior Julia Whitson for being named a finalist in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Corporation competition.
“I feel so honored to be a national merit finalist,” Julia says. “This distinction represents not only my own hard work but also the support of everyone else in my life, from my counselor Mrs. Dawson to my family who’s always been there for me. Being a national merit finalist allows me to attend Texas Tech University, where I plan to follow my passions and double-major in kinesiology and theater. I look forward to pursuing the opportunities that the National Merit finalist standing allows!”
According to the website, The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)—which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.
“Julia Whitson is one of the most outstanding students I have had the pleasure of working with in my 15+ years in education,” states her school counselor Anastasia Dawson. “She is driven, motivated, friendly, and bright beyond measure. Julia is a passionate individual; when she gets involved with something, she gives it her all and Julia’s all is something to contend with!”
NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 410 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.
Kevin Swearingin
