Celebrating Success, February 2012

02/03/2012 - Each month, the Sonoma County Board of Education recognizes members of the Sonoma County school community who have realized significant achievements in public education. The Board’s Celebrating Success honorees for February were the 10 public school students named as 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists. Semifinalists are the highest-scoring students on the PSAT/NMSQT.

Annissa Asbo, Petaluma High School
Kevin Chang, Maria Carrillo High School
Nicole Chodora, Santa Rosa High School
Corey Ford, Pathways Charter School
William Hoberg, Santa Rosa High School
Shelby Kehoe, Casa Grande High School
Richard Liang, Maria Carrillo High School
Joseph Mulcaire, Santa Rosa High School
Xiaoyi Shao, Maria Carrillo High School
Sarah Stinson, Maria Carrillo High School

These academically talented high school seniors have the opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships. To be considered for a scholarship award, a semifinalist must first advance to finalist standing by meeting high academic standards and fulfilling other requirements. Scholarships are then awarded based on the abilities, skills, and accomplishments of the finalist pool. Over $34 million is awarded nationally. The goal of the National Merit program is to honor the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.