Grayslake Student Selected for National Merit Scholarship

GRAYSLAKE, IL - A high school student from Grayslake has been chosen as one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarship recipients, according to an announcement Wednesday from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The merit scholar designees from across the country were chosen from a talent pool of 15,000. They will all receive a $2,500 scholarship.

Samantha R. Dickman of Grayslake is among this year's National Merit scholars. Dickmann is a student at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein and is planning to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.

Dickmann and finalists in each state were judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors, according to a news release.

The scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors who appraised a information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools, including their academic record; difficulty of the level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

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