Whiz Kid: National Merit Scholar Joshua Yee

Melrose Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Joshua Yee

From Dr. Gene Yee and Mrs. Jennifer Yee: 

• School:

• Accomplishment: The recent graduate will receive a $2,000 yearly scholarship to attend Boston University. 

• How he did it: Joshua is first National Merit Scholar from Melrose High School since 2007, and one of 4,800 students nationwide receiving prestigious college-sponsored Merit Scholarships, which are underwritten by 197 universities and colleges. Only 0.5% of the 1.5-million PSAT/SAT takers from 22,000 high schools nationwide received National Merit Scholarships, which are based on standardized test scores, a detailed application, essay, extracurricular activities, awards, leadership positions, academics, and official recommendations. (Overall, 8,300 students received National Merit Scholarships in 2012, ranging from college- and corporate-sponsored to NMSC-sponsored awards.)

While an MHS student, Joshua was Co-captain of the Boys’ Swim Team, violist in the orchestra, lifeguard at the Melrose YMCA, and received numerous awards and scholarships, including those from the Middlesex League Principal’s Association and MHS Permanent Scholarship Fund, respectively. He was a member of the National Honor Society, a Mayoral intern in the Office of Mayor Robert Dolan, and volunteer at the Bread of Life (Malden), My Brother’s Kitchen (Lynn), and Unitarian Universalist Church (Wakefield).

• What's next for him: Joshua will be attending Boston University in Fall 2012, and is intending to major in Mathematics in its College of Arts and Sciences. He ultimately hopes to become a university professor in Mathematics after college graduation.