3 Avon Lake Students Named National Merit Finalists

AVON LAKE, OH — Three Avon Lake High students have been named National Merit Finalists. Avon Lake's finalists are: Evan Danielson, Irwin Deng and Eddy Wolski.

More than 1.5 million students annually apply for National Merit Scholarships. Only about 15,000 students nationwide become National Merit Finalists. The Avon Lake students will now have an opportunity to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $31 million. About half of all Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning them the title Merit Scholar.

Danielson, 17, takes part in the school's robotics team, math team, Academic Challenge and model United Nations. He is considering majoring in aerospace engineering or aeronautical engineering. He is interested in attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering or University of Cincinnati.

He advised young students to, "Make sure you apply yourself to your studies."

Deng, 17, is part of the Avon Lake High band and symphonic band. He plays tennis and is part of the Academic Challenge squad, math team, Science Olympiad and key club. He also scored a perfect 36 on the ACT last year.

Deng is looking to study engineering, math or physics in college. He is also interested in attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He advised young students to "Don't study too hard, make time to enjoy school."

Wolski, 17, is part of the Academic Challenge squad and Math Team. He also runs cross country and takes part in the robotics clubs. He wants to study mechanical or electrical engineering, or physics.

He is interested in attending Carnegie Mellon University, Florida Institute of Technology, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

"Relax and don't worry about things too much," Wolski said to younger students.