NATIONAL MERIT

[ INKLINGS Oct 2022 17 ] National Merit Semifinalists

Congratulations to our 2023 CPHS National Merit Semifinalists

On September 14, officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of over 16,000 Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

Adam Fucela Andrew Goldthorpe

Brynne Noordermeer Lucas Johnson

Currently involved in Business Professionals of America and tutoring after school. After high school, Adam would like to pursue a career in chemistry. Currently involved in Speech & Debate, Academic Super Bowl and Windfall. After high school, Andrew plans to pursue studies in physics and political science.

Currently involved in Marching Band and Latin Club. After high school, Brynne would like to pursue a career in nursing, specifically NICU nursing. Currently involved in Science Olympiad, Orchestra and Latin Club. After high school, Lucas would like to pursue a career in chemistry or molecular biology.

Seniors Cami Badali and Lydia Bir started a CPHS Chapter of Sending Sunshine Club with sponsor Mary Lux. Kiley Cholewa and Kendall Finley help create cards.

Sending Sunshine Club

Seniors Cami Badali and Lydia Bir found The Sending Sunshine Club last fall through social media, and they thought it would be fun to shine a positive light on local community service activities.

They applied to start a charter at CPHS, asked social studies teacher Mary Lux to sponsor them, and got approval from Assistant Principal Vince Bauters. One of their primary activities is making cards for senior citizens in local care facilities.

Members meet in Mrs. Lux’s room one Thursday every month, but students can also work on their own. Each card is worth 30 minutes of community service.

“Sending Sunshine means a lot to us because we feel it is a great way to reach out to people in our community and brighten their day, especially because we know some people in those facilities may not have many people coming to visit them,” Badali said.

Sisters Madison, Hannah and Kailey March create cards to send to local care facilities. The Sending Sunshine organization originated in Canada.