Three Homer High School seniors — Evan Boyer, Patrick Latimer and Jonas Noomah — have been named finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program, according to Lin Hampson, HHS advisor.
“The principal was notified and then he notified them here at school,” said Hampson of the good news passed on by HHS Principal Doug Waclawski.
In September, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of approximately 16,000 semi-finalists of the 60th National Merit Scholarship Program. An estimated 15,000 were expected to advance to the finalist level.
Finalists are selected on the basis of skills, accomplishments, “and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference,” said NMSC in its September press release.
As finalists, Boyer, Latimer and Noomah now compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 scholarships awarded on a state-representational basis. They also have the possibility of being awarded one of about 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships provided by an estimated 240 corporations and business organizations. “Finalist” standing also opens the door for an opportunity to receive a college-sponsored Merit Scholarship award.
“National merit finalists can go to a number of state schools on full-ride scholarships,” said Hampson, recalling former Homer High graduates that have received scholarships to Arizona State University and the University of Oklahoma.
Boyer, Latimer and Noomah are each in the process of deciding where they will continue their education after graduating from Homer High.
“These are great kids,” said Hampson. “All three of those families deserve a lot of credit for supporting those boys. They have incredible parents and those six parents have dedicated their lives to these kids and their other children, and have gone way above and beyond to support and encourage them.”
McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.
