Westport's Staples High School Announces National Merit Finalists

WESTPORT, CT — Nine Staples High School seniors have been named finalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program, school officials announced.

As Merit Scholar finalists, JiSu Ahn, Isabelle Amlicke, Alexander Ialeggio, Nicole Kiker, Lindsey Marks, Grace McGinley, Ulyana Piterbarg, Tia Pogue, and Phoebe Spear all have a chance to earn one of 7,400 National Merit Scholarship awards, which together are worth more than $35 million.

"These students are scholars due to their performance in the classroom, but more importantly, they are fine citizens of our school, and represent many of the best qualities of the Staples High School community," said Staples High School Principal James D'Amico in a statement. "This honor is a source of pride for their families, teachers, and administrators who have helped them grow throughout their school careers. I congratulate these students, and everyone who has supported them on their journey."

To become a Finalist, these students met the following criteria: have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the school principal, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier qualifying test performance, according to officials.

Each Semifinalist and a school official then had to submit a detailed scholarship application, which included the student’s essay and information about the Semifinalist’s participation and leadership in school and community activities.

Final scholarship winners, chosen from a group of more than 15,000 finalists, may be notified of their prize as early as this month. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference, according to program officials.

Photo: Back row from left: Ulyana Piterbarg, Nicole T. Kiker, Alexander D. Ialeggio, and Tia Pogue. Front row from left: Phoebe Spear, JiSu Ahn, Isabelle Amlicke, and Lindsey N. Marks. Missing from picture is: Grace McGinley. Photo credit: Westport Public Schools