CAM Academy

Pair of CAM Academy students are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

Sept. 28, 2023

CAM Academy seniors John Ong and Hana Feldheger have earned spots as semifinalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship competition. Only around 16,000 semifinalists are selected out of more than 1.3 million entries from more than 21,000 high schools across the United States.

“It means a lot to me,” said Feldheger, who is currently attending Running Start full time and planning to enroll in either the University of Washington or Washington State University in pursuit of a business major. “I hope that I can be an inspiration to others that if you study hard and don’t slack off in class, these opportunities will open up to you.”

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization established in 1955 to identify and encourage scholastically talented American youth to develop their abilities to the fullest. Semifinalists are selected based largely on Preliminary SAT scores. Qualified applicants must then submit an essay and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or administrator in order to be considered as a finalist.

“Being named as a semifinalist makes it feel like my hard work is paying off,” said Ong, who is hoping to study computer science at Northeastern University in Boston. “But I know this is only the beginning and there’s a lot more I can do.”

“Hana and Jon are naturally smart, but they are also incredibly hard workers,” said CAM Academy Principal Ryan Cowl. “They make this school a better place because they also encourage others to work hard and be the best that they can.”

Around 15,000 students are expected to be named finalists. Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis. In addition, about 160 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 3,800 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards. Another 840 Merit Scholarships will be provided by approximately 160 corporations and business organizations who meet specific criteria.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2024 will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join nearly 375,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.