Pleasanton Students Named National Merit Scholars

PLEASANTON, CA — Eight Pleasanton students were awarded National Merit Scholarships, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced. Five students attend Amador Valley High School, and three attend Foothill.

The students were among 2,500 nationwide that were chosen from more than 15,000 finalists. They will receive a $2500 scholarship from the NMSC’s own funds, with underwriting help from corporations and company foundations.

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The students were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors who looked at their academic record, PSAT scores, school and community leadership, recommendations, and essays.

Further National Merit Scholars will be announced in June and July. By the end of the year, 6700 students will have been awarded a total of roughly $24 million in scholarships, according to NMSC.

The Pleasanton winners are:

• Yash Balaji, Amador Valley High School
• Athithan Elamaran, Foothill High School
• Nathaniel Hong, Amador Valley High School
• Brandon Maximus Kong, Foothill High School
• Hanyu Niu, Amador Valley High School
• William Peng, Foothill High School
• Siddhan Shah, Amador Valley High School
• Reese Zhou, Amador Valley High School (Dublin resident)

SEE ALSO:

• 65 Pleasanton Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists