Press Release
Contact:  Arlene Hulten
Date:  October 10, 2009

Six LSHS Students Named National Merit Scholars

The National Merit Scholarship Programs recently announced its 2010 scholars and Lake Stevens High School is proud to have six scholars; one National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholar and five National Merit Commended Scholars.

To qualify for the National Merit Scholar program students need to excel on the SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test they take in their junior year of high school. 

As a National Semi Merit Finalist, Emily Drew scored with the top 1% of the nation’s high school seniors and will be eligible to go on to compete for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards worth $33 million, which will be offered this spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must advance to the Finalist level of the competition by fulfilling several requirements. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

National Merit Commended students scores are in the top 5% of the nation and are recognized as high-achieving students as demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the SAT test.  Commended students represent some of the most academically talented students in the country.  Lake Stevens National Merit Commended students include: Heather Behrend, Alexander Boston, Cole Knowlden, Sacha Nasr and Kazimir Wall.

Emily Drew -  National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholar
Emily is considering attending Northwestern University, Stanford University or the University of Chicago next fall.  Her interest area is in science- biology and chemistry.  Emily is taking AP art history, honors contemporary world history, University of Washington English, AP statistics, physics, and University of Washington French.
Emily has enjoyed all of her teachers.  Her favorite classes are the advanced placement classes that she has taken, especially chemistry and biology.

Kazimir Wall – National Merit Commended Scholar
Kaz is currently considering attending the UW, Northwestern University or Carnegie Mellon University next fall.  He is interest area is in science and math, and is considering a pre-med major. Kaz’s course work includes AP Statistics, University of Washington English, AP psychology, physics, and contemporary world issues. His favorite teacher is Mr. Neuman for introducing him to a higher level of teaching and learning.  His favorite class is AP European History.

 

Heather Behrend -  National Merit Commended Scholar
Heather is considering attending the University of Washington or Cal Polly next year and is interested in mechanical engineering.  She is currently taking AP art hist, honors contemporary world issues, University of Washington English, AP statistics, and physics.  She has enjoyed all of her teachers and her favorite classes have been the advanced placement classes she has taken.
Favorite Class – all advanced placement classes.

Sacha Nasr – National Merit Commended Scholar
Sasha is considering attending the University of Washington, the University of Chicago or Northwestern University next fall and her dad is encouraging her to apply at Yale. She is interested in the sciences and pursuing a career in the medical field.  Sacha is currently taking contemporary American issues, AP Biology, University of Washington English, AP statistics, AP physics, and University of Washington French.  Her favorite class to date is advanced placement European history and her favorite teacher is Mr. Neuman; she appreciates the manner in which he interacts with students.

Cole Knowlden – National Merit Commended Scholar
Cole is considering attending the University of Washington or the University of Chicago next year.  He is currently undecided on a major area of study.  Cole is currently involved in ASB leadership and is taking University of Washington Spanish, University of Washington English, AP statistics, AP psychology and contemporary American issues.  His favorite class is AP art history and his favorite teacher is Mr. Tally because he is so efficient!

Alexander Boston – National Merit Commended Scholar
Alexander is considering attending the University of Washington, Washington State University or UC Berkley next year. He is undecided on a major area of study. He attended Grace Academy until his sophomore year when he transferred to LSHS and is attending Running Start at Everett Community College where he is earning his AA Degree. His favorite classes within the program have been World Civilization and Geology.