The Growl
Bettendorf High School
Friday, Dec. 12, 2014
Vol. 51 Issue 3
Nat’l Merit scholars talk about PSAT by Melissa Weinstein Staff Reporter
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hree students received recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Seniors Lauren Young and Josh Kinyon were named semifinalists, and senior Blake Wallace received a letter of commendation for their scores on the 2013 PSAT. Semifinalists are the highest scoring entrants in each state, while commended students make up a larger percentage of students who take the PSAT. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, commended students are named based on a nationally applied selection index score that can vary annually. Semifinalists have the opportunity to become finalists which allows them the chance to receive a National Merit scholarship. To become a finalist, semifinalists must take the SAT and meet a variety of requirements including high academic standards. “The PSAT is basically a less scary version of the SAT, so it is good practice,” Young said. Young’s older brother was a Commended Student, so her family already had knowledge about the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. For Kinyon and Wallace, their recognition is a first for their families. The night before the PSAT, Kinyon read a study book for a few hours to prepare while Wallace always avoids studying for standardized tests. “It’s possible I was feeling uncharacteristically motivated the night
Kinyon and Young have been named semifinalists, and Wallace (far right) has been recognized as a commended student. “Get a lot of sleep the night before and eat a good breakfast. The important thing is to not stress about the exam. It doesn’t determine your entire future,” Young said. before, but I don’t remember studying at all,” Young said. To prepare for the test, Wallace suggests getting a good night’s sleep. “My advice is that you should take plenty of practice tests before the actual test. Taking practice tests is the best way to prepare. You should only use College Board preparation materials. It is the only official SAT and PSAT studying materials because it uses actual previous SAT tests,” Kinyon said. Young agrees that practice tests are the most effective method of studying. “They’re usually online so you don’t have to spend money on one of those fancy books,” Young said.
When taking standardized tests, Kinyon and Wallace enjoy answering the math questions. “It is very concrete and rarely open to interpretation,” Kinyon said. Math is Young’s least favorite subject on standardized tests. “They don’t give you enough time unless you’re a human calculator. Maybe I’m just bad at math or bitter because that’s what brings down my test scores. I’m going to blame it on the people that write the questions,” Young said. She prefers questions that include graphs or charts because prior knowledge on the subject is not needed. “I also like the English questions where
you pick what word goes in a sentence because you can usually choose whichever sounds right by reading it in your head with each option,” Young said. “My favorite questions are the easy questions,” Wallace said. Though Kinyon and Young will not find out if they are finalists until February, they, along with Wallace, have received various scholarships for their academic achievements. Should Kinyon and Young be named finalists, they are not guaranteed a scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. “If I am a finalist I have to go to a school that gives money to National Merit Finalists because some don’t. Places like ISU and Nebraska give full rides,” Young said. Kinyon plans to go to a four-year university to study mathematics. “My top choice is Harvard,” Kinyon said. Young also plans to attend a four-year university preferably on the coast, but she has yet to decide on a major. Once she finishes colleges, Young will “make bank” and get a puppy. “I will be going to the University of Iowa to get a degree in chemical engineering,” Wallace said. Young encourages every junior to take the PSAT. “There’s really no drawback; all you have to do is signup and then take a test. I think the PSAT might be on a school day so you’d get to miss school which is also a plus. If you do well on the PSAT, you can get to go to college essentially for free in some cases, so this one test could save you thousands of dollars. Your parents may thank you,” Young said.
FBLA brings business back to Bett by Hannah Chin Staff Reporter
in a midwest state. In past school years, most Bettendorf students have not attended the NFLC due to the ettendorf FBLA is back this lengthy travel time. school year and stronger than ever. “This was my first conference with Throughout the first semester, the Bettendorf FBLA. It was cool to FBLA officer team and members have meet people from regional chapters. been on the grind, working to fundraise I really understand now why people for competitions, volunteering to help love FBLA. I also enjoyed going to the school community, and learning the Mall of America with Bettendorf about practicing effective business FBLA,” said freshman Mason Chin. techniques through conference NFLC hosts thousands of students participation. every year and is known for its Most recently, the club traveled keynote speakers at opening session. to Des Moines for the United Fall Alex Kenyon, Lauren Hoffman, Bryanna Garard, Hannah Chin, Lexi Mendosa, Brittany “As an advisor, I had the ability Leadership Conference (UFLC) and Carlson, Tori Tappa, Megan McQuillen, Malorie Garza and Grace McGee. to drop in on several informational to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the sessions throughout the weekend. National Fall Leadership Conference. I attended a workshop about a high “UFLC was an amazing experience. school business leadership class that Since the conference is only held every entrepreneurship, and college searching. members an edge as they enter the next we are looking to implement at BHS next four years, it was my only chance to attend UFLC included not only Iowa FBLA phases of their lives,” said business teacher school year. I also talked with other FBLA UFLC. I loved meeting new friends and chapters, but also other organizations Sarah Roeder. chapters about their fundraising, social, spending quality time with Bettendorf such as Business Professionals of America Members who attended this conference and competition ideas and visited vendors FBLA in Des Moines,” junior Bryanna (BPA) and Distributive Education Clubs of had a unique opportunity to build booths,” Roeder said. Garard said. relationships with students who are Bettendorf FBLA is currently working America (DECA). Students and advisors had the chance “Networking is an extremely important interested in similar educational programs, on its Business Achievement Awards and to network with business professionals quality for young people to have. The but are not members of FBLA. competition projects for state in March. and educate themselves about the ability to confidently communicate with Unlike previous years, the National Fall Contact a business department teacher or a fundamentals of leadership, volunteering, new people is a skill that will give FBLA Leadership Conference (NFLC) was held FBLA member for more information.
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