Pictured above, left to right: PHS Principal, Mel Siefert; 2019 National Merit Scholarship Competition Semifinalist Victoria Kinnaman; PHS Guidance Counselor, Jaleen Royer; PHS Director of Guidance, Dave Owens
Introducing Victoria Kinnaman, PHS Senior and a 2019 Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Victoria is one of 16,000 students nationwide who have been named semifinalists in the prestigious program
This outstanding student and swimmer is considering many college and career options, but a career in medicine is in her future!
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Scholarship 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.
To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
Congratulations to Victoria, along with our best wishes as she moves into the next level of competition!