While some kids hit the screens after school, honor students Jillian Ritchey, Diana Marsala, Ethan Ames, and Erin McNeil are busy with advanced classes, clubs, and extracurricular activities.
The Clarkston High School seniors are among 16,000 semi-finalists out of 1.5 million applicants across the U.S. in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
They all said they love learning, and enjoy math and science.
Richey, a Girl Scout since kindergarten, has taken extra and advanced classes much of her school career, including a special problem solving class she has taken since fifth grade.
‘Your whole heart must be into taking an advanced class,’she said. ‘It is good to be with like minded people. It creates a good atmosphere.”
Richey has witnessed changes over the years.
‘Our classes have become more about discovering things for yourself. We seem to have more activities that make us think about how what we do impacts the world,? she said.
This year she is also involved in the Business Professionals of America and the varsity bowling team.
Marsala’s love for math and science began at a young age, and will continue.
‘When I graduate I am leaning towards criminal science and biology,? she said. ‘I have always been encouraged to think outside the box. I did well too, so I was always allowed to do extra work.”
Richey said teachers with passion make a huge difference.
‘Teachers that care are passionate. They tell stories and embellish. Teachers like that feed their students desire to learn. Students can also tell when their teachers don’t like the subject they teach.?
Marsala said she has always enjoyed thinking outside the box.
‘I never give up,? she smiled. ‘I set my sights on a goal, and I keep going until I reach it.?
Her high energy level helps too.
‘I like to stay busy, and keep moving. I want to feel like I am accomplishing things. I like to set goals and reach them,? she said.
Marsala has been involved with Team Rush 27 since freshman year. This year she is captain of a great team she said gives back to the community.
‘Our goal is to not only build the best robot, our goal is to have the biggest impact on the community,? she said. ‘I love the people involved, and I love what we do.?
Marsala’s advise to students, ‘Know what you want your future to look like, so you can get an idea where to begin. Get involved in extra-curricular activities and in activities that interest you.?
Ames remembers falling in love with math and science back in third grade when a teacher allowed students a lot of time to play.
‘We had a lot of free time to play with a bunch of things like magnets that related to our learning, said Ames, who plans to study engineering in college.
‘I believe engineering is very useful. It is a career that has a great impact and it opens many doors. I want to make a difference and change the world,” he said.
He runs a paper gaming group and participates in a youth government group.
McNeil describes herself as a problems solver. She loves science and biology with an equal passion for being creative and artistic.
‘I am always willing to work hard on a team. I have always been good at taking tests and I like to think logically,? she said.
McNeil said she hails from a smart family. ‘School has always been a big focus for us. My brother goes to college at Georgia Tech. He calls me and gives me advice.?
Sixth grade was a big year for her.
‘I went into advanced classes and started developing good work habits,? she said.
At first she felt a lot of pressure, but that taught her something.
‘I learned you may not get something right away, but just hang in there and you will get it,? she said.
National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of the approximately 16,000 Semi-finalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program in the beginning of September.
According to NMSC These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million offered next spring.