KOP Resident Wins Corporate-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — A King of Prussia resident is among several area students that have distinguished themselves from their peers across the nation, becoming part of an elite group of individuals that have earned corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarships.

Corporate sponsored scholars are selected by companies from students who advanced to the finalist level of the National Merit Scholarship competition. Students are children of employees in the sponsoring company in question, residents in the community where the company is based, or plan to pursue careers in a field the company wants to encourage, the NMSC said.

Germantown Friends senior and King of Prussia resident Piyush Pillarisett, who has a probable career field of medicine, has won the National Merit Johnson and Johnson Scholarship.

Here's what the NMSC has to say about this award:

"Caring for the world, one person at a time, has inspired and united the people of Johnson & Johnson for over 125 years. We embrace research and science--bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our Credo places a strong emphasis on our employees, and the National Merit Scholarship Program is an excellent opportunity to support future generations."

Winners of corporate scholarships came from a pool of 1.6 million high school juniors from more than 22,000 high schools who took the PSAT test as juniors in 2015. Roughly 16,000 semifinalists, and then 7,500 finalists, were chosen nationally.

Winners of corporate scholarships are distinct from winners of the $2500 National Merit Scholarship, who are selected from the finalist pool by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors.

Congratulations, students!

Patch file photo