TOWAMENCIN – Recently announced, nine North Penn students have been named National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists based on their scores on the PSAT last October. Chosen out of 1.5 million students who took the exam, these students are nine out of 16,000 who have been selected across the country. Before they begin the next step in the process of potentially receiving a National Merit Scholarship, the students revealed study strategies that led to their qualifying score and hobbies that fill the rest of their time.
Stacy Chang
Thankful her hard work has paid off, Stacy sees this accomplishment as “a confidence boost.” Classes she took outside of school and the studying she did pre-PSAT had a great impact on her scores.
Not only a force to be reckoned with in the classroom, Stacy has been a serious tennis player in tournaments with Legacy Youth Tennis and Education since the age of nine.
“I am really competitive, so I always try to play the best I can… there is always something to improve, whether it’s your technique, strategy, or ranking,” says Chang of her take on playing tennis.
Stacy aspires to get into Carnegie Mellon early decision and major in some kind of engineering.
Sam Curlee
When he first found out his PSAT score, Sam felt “it seemed possible” to be a semifinalist, now he’s saying “it’s good to know it’s actually happening.” Trusting his instincts, Sam minimally prepared for the exam, hoping his basic knowledge would bring him a great score.
Out of the classroom and onto the court, Curlee has played tennis competitively since freshmen year and has been on the varsity high school team for the past two years.
Sam is also heavily involved in the Future Business Leaders of America, or FBLA, at the high school. “I got 2nd place in the country in a test about grammar/effective workplace communication/presentation skills,” said Curlee. He also “consistently places in the top three in events at the state level.”
Sam hopes to study math or science in college at either MIT or California Institute of Technology.
Courtney Jirsa
“Honored to be a semi-finalist,” Courtney is thankful for the opportunity, but worries about the next leg of the competition, the essay. Heavily involved in the theater department, Courtney has been a member of stage crew since sophomore year in all the school productions and is currently backstage coordinator in thespian troupe.
“Being on backstage gives me a chance to be a part of something I really love,” comments Jirsa.
Courtney plans to attend George Washington University as a biology and biological anthropology double-major.
Min Kim
Forgetting about the PSAT after a long junior year, Min was surprised and thankful to hear he had been chosen as a semi-finalist. The practice tests he took before the exam were a great influence in his accomplishment. They “made me more comfortable with the format,” said Min. “They gave me an idea of what to expect.”
A fairly unique activity, volunteering at the fire house fills Min’s free time. Although he can’t go into buildings yet, Min “usually operates the hydrant and one of the weaker hoses.” Spending a lot of time at the fire house, Min stays prepared to leave for an emergency with the firefighters.
Also involved in Key Club and NHS, Min says that he liked “how both clubs gave [him] an opportunity to volunteer at a nursing home… it was cool to meet such nice people.”
Looking at Michigan and Illinois as potential colleges, Min is hoping to major in either chemical engineering or pharmacy.
Andreas Kraus
Excited about the possibility of receiving a helpful scholarship to college, Andreas notes that “it feels pretty good” to know he is chosen as a semi-finalist.
A busy athlete, Andreas plays rugby for the North Penn Iron Lions club, drawn to the sport for its “physicality and teamwork.” He has also been a guitar player for the past five years, participating in the jazz band at the high school.
“I like a lot of styles of music, but my favorites to play are rock and reggae,” said Kraus of his musical preference.
While he has no solid idea of what to major in or what college he wishes to attend, the new possibility of a scholarship is sure to help Andreas’s decision process along.
Andrew O’Brien
Attributing his qualifying score to extra studying beforehand, Andrew admitted his “dad made [him] take two practice PSATs” before the pivotal exam last year. His preparation for the exam definitely increased his score, according to O’Brien. Remaining humble, he feels “honored to be among the ranks of such smart people” and “to be counted among such high achievers.”
Over the summer, Andrew worked as a camp counselor at PSC Highpoint. His job was comprised of being in charge of usually twelve campers for forty hours a week. In school, Andrew is planning on joining Philosophy Club this year.
Looking to the future, O’Brien hopes to major in environmental science at Penn State University.
Monisha Ravi
Proud of her achievement, Monisha is happy “to know [her] hard work pays off.” After setting aside practice tests a few weeks before the exam, Ravi entered the test with the mantra “whatever I do is what I do.”
A patient transporter volunteer at Doylestown hospital, Ravi helps by “bringing patients to and from scans, their rooms, and other sections of the hospital.” Also an avid runner and photographer, Monisha uses these hobbies to get rid of stress after long days.
Not sure of her college choice yet, Monisha knows she wants to be on the pre-med or neuroscience track in order to become a surgeon.
Ryan Reynolds
Admitting he “didn’t study whatsoever,” Ryan finds himself lucky “to be among such an elite group of scholars.” Against his parent’s wishes, Reynolds went into the PSAT blind – but came out a national merit semi-finalist. One of his favorite pastimes, karate, could have led to his success.
“Karate has taught me discipline and humility. It has given me the tenacity to work as hard as I need to,” comments Reynolds. Hoping to receive his black belt soon, Ryan plans to continue practicing karate for the rest of the year. Another of his pastimes includes volunteering at a cat shelter.
On track with his career plans, Ryan sees himself on the pre-veterinarian medicine track, although undecided about which college he wishes to attend.
Laxmi Yaratha
In response to learning of her national merit status, Yaratha remarks “it was really unexpected. I was really excited when I found out.” Her summer courses on the SAT helped tremendously to bolster her PSAT score last October.
President of mock trial club and secretary of National Honor Society, Yaratha spends most of her time involved in these two activities. In her spare time, she volunteers outside of school.
Hoping to become a surgeon, Laxmi is looking to Drexel, Pitt, or Rice for college, but her college list is far from narrowed down.