Schools
30 WVUSD Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists
These high scorers rank among state's top 1% grads
WALNUT, CA--Thirty seniors from Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools have been distinguished as 2020 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
Congratulations to the following teenswho have been recognized for demonstrating exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Diamond Bar High School: Courtney Chan, Sean Chang, Tiffany Chang, Valerie Chang, Michelle Chao, Joshua Chung, Mena Hassan, Jonathan Ho, Yewon Lee, Ryan Lou, Catherine Lu, Tom Murickan, Mason Pan, Karen Shao, Keshav Sriram, Jessica Yen, Jolynn Zhang, Justin Zhang.
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Walnut High School: Kevin Chen, Yaoyue Jiang, Denise Kao, William Lin, Jocelyn Lu, Teresa Maung, Chamine Tran, Amber Tsao, Wyan Wan, Evelyn Wu, Tyler Xu, Melody Yu.
“This is such a special moment!” exclaimed Diamond Bar Principal Dr. Reuben Jones as the teens gathered with the school’s administrative team on September 11.
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“We’re here to give you a round of applause and celebrate this tremendous accomplishment.”
“We are very proud all of you - pat yourself on the back and just be proud of yourself and each other!” added senior Grade Level Coordinators Marc Natividad and Ginger Auten.
“You are the elite eighteen!” Auten said.
Walnut High Principal Ryan Maine and school leaders surprised the dozen top scoring seniors with the announcement during classes Wednesday morning.
Each teen took a moment to pose for a snapshot with their congratulatory letter and then came together during lunchtime for a group photo.
“It’s exciting getting to know these amazing Mustangs,” said Maine who took the helm at July.
“This is a special group of students who are involved in Performing Arts, IB, AP, and currently lead multiple clubs on campus. It is a privilege watching their stories unfold as they pursue their dreams.”
More than 1.6 million students entered the Merit Program as juniors by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
High scorers were designated semifinalists, representing less than 1% of the state’s graduating class.
In total, just over 16,000 talented seniors qualified nationwide in the 65thannual scholarship program.
These academically talented students will continue to compete for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered in the spring.