Patty Miller
The Edmond Sun
EDMOND
September 27, 2008 01:59 am
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Edmond is tallying up the largest number of National Merit Scholarhip Semifinalists in its history with 37 Edmond-area students named to the list recently.
Of this number, 23 students go to the three Edmond high schools, four attend Edmond Deer Creek, two attend Oklahoma Christian School, three attend Heritage Hall, two attend Bishop McGuinness, two attend the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics and one student is homeschooled.
“We have 23 students in the Edmond schools this year named Semifinalists compared to 21 last year,” said Brenda Lyons, associate superintendent of Edmond Public Schools. “We are just so fortunate every year to have as many as we do, and it just reflects the quality of our students as well as the fact that we also have so many Advanced Placement classes.
“The parental and community support we have is outstanding, and we don’t want to leave out the teachers. Without the great teachers we have we aren’t going to have that kind of learning going on.”
More than 1.5 million juniors in more than 21,000 high schools entered the 2009 National Merit Program. Recently officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of about 16,000 Semifinalists in the 54th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $35 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.
The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, which represents less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
Following is a brief look at each of Edmond’s 37 semi-finalists.
Edmond MemorialHigh School
Sean Bender is the son of Jeffrey and Denise Bender. He plans to major in chemical engineering although he is undecided on what university he would like to attend. Active in journalism he is editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper, Ruff Draft.
“I am so grateful for the excellent education I have received during last three years and look forward to applying it in the collegiate setting,” Sean said.
Michael Bishop is the son of Robert Bishop and Jacki Jones. He currently plans on a double major of physics and English at an as-of-yet undetermined school, although Yale and Vanderbilt top his list of dream colleges.
Michael has been active in the Memorial band for four years, and plans on continuing music although it will be extracurricular in the future.
“In lieu of your stereotypical, noxiously positive student quote, I’d just like to point out to all the readers out there that when our country starts (or rather, finishes) crumbling, it’ll be our generation picking up the pieces. If you’re not afraid, you should be — uncertainty is our only guarantee, and who else but us will be there to re-forge tomorrow’s society?”
Emma Green is the daughter of Rick and Rebecca Green. She would love to attend Brandeis University and has a broad range of interests, including environmental studies, computer science and Judaic studies. She is active in United Synagogue Youth and went on a six-week USY trip to Poland and Israel this past summer.
“I’ve really enjoyed the Advanced Placement coursework at Memorial, and I feel like it’s given me a head start in college, no matter where I go,” she said. “The students and teachers in those classes have been great.”
Joshua Holmes is the grandson of Susan Holmes and Harry Holmes. He plans to attend the University of Oklahoma as a computer science major, and he hopes to pursue a career as a computer programmer after graduation.
“I like to have fun when I can,” Joshua said. “Life’s too stressful to not have a little fun every now and then.”
Caleb D. King is the son of David and DJ King. He plans on majoring in either pre-med or engineering at Oklahoma Christian University. His special interest are football, wrestling, men’s chorus and EYG (Edmond Church of Christ youth group). “I believe that where there is hope, there is future.” he said. “I am preparing for the future.”
Jenny Louthan is the daughter of George Louthan and Susan Ewing. She tentatively plans to concentrate her college study in mathematics and is undecided as to where she will attend.
Aubry R. Midkiff is the daughter of Clay and Christa Midkiff. She is interested in pursuing a degree in neuroscience or other pre-medical field. Although she is undecided as to which university she would like to attend she is interested in New York University or Lyndhurst.
“I am blown away to be prt of such an excellent group of students,” Aubry said.
Kelsey Nowell is the daughter of Terry and Myra Nowell. She plans on majoring in biomedical engineering or neuroscience, but is unsure of the university she plans to attend. Her interests include debate, cross country, politics and frisbee golf.
“I enjoy learning,” Kelsey said.
Fareeha Safir is the daughter of Safir and Fakhira Shaheen.
She wants to pursue a degree in engineering but has not narrowed down the specific field at this time. Fareeha’s top two choices for universities include Stanford and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He special interest is community involvement.
“There are so many opportunities to get involved in helping out the community, the question should not be about finding an organization but about choosing which one.”
Edmond North High School
Hallie Arias is the daughter of Beckie and Ben Bigler. Her declared major is international relations and her areas of interest are Arabic and Spanish. She is undecided as to her university of choice at this time.
Hallie said her special interests are ballet and photography.
“My favorite classes this semester are cultural anthropology and English literature to 1800,” Hallie said.
“William Butler Yeats said ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ I am really excited and honored to be named a National Merit Semifinalist, but I know that this is only one step on my journey toward becoming a lifelong leader.”
Julie Maureen Fortuna is the daughter of Mark and Mary Jo Fortuna. She plans on attending Rice University and majoring in mathematics and computer science. She is interested in music and plays the cello in the symphonic orchestra.
“My quote is by Alastair Reid,” Julie said. “Reid said, ‘Only the curious have, if they live, a tale worth telling at all.’”
Charles Harwood Fundeburk is the son of Charles and Beverly Funderburk. His area of interest is business and he would like to attend Harvard or the University of Pennsylvania. He likes field goal kicking.
“Whether your expectatons are high or low you will meet them,” Charles said.
Ryan Thomas Knight likes Tae Kwon Do and is a member of the Junior ROTC. His interests lie in computer science or business and he would like to attend the University of Denver in Colorado or Yale.
Ryan’s quote is one attributed to John F. Kennedy, “Remember that our nation’s first great leader was also our first great scholar.”
His parents are Tom and Kim Knight.
Chase MacDonald Miller is the son of Evan and Debra Miller.
He is undecided as to what he would like to major in, but has his eye on the University of Oklahoma or Virginia Tech. He likes to play the guitar and says, “Be passionate about whatever you do.”
Rachel Marie Morris is the daughter of Stephen and Eileen Morris.
Rachel said she plans on a pre-med major. “My ambition is to be a pediatric oncologist,” she said. She has her fingers crossed that she will be able to attend Vanderbilt University.
Her special interest is BALTO.
Eleanor Roosevelt said Morris’ favorite quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Cole Morgan Penning is the son of Mike and Trudy Penning. He is active in his church, Henderson Hills.
With an interest in business he plans to attend the University of Oklahoma.
Cole said a hero is described best by Bob Dylan. “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom,” Dylan said.
Yi Jun Wu is the son of Li Wang and Jiming Wu. He plans to major in either biology or business at Columbia University. He is active in debate and likes to fish.
His favorite quote by R. Inman is this: “A great teacher never strives to explain his vision. He simply invites you to stand beside him and see for yourself.”
Edmond Santa FeHigh School
Lindsey E. Brinkworth is the daughter of Jim and Denise Brinkworth. She has an interest in art and plans on attending the University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University and majoring in engineering.
Her favorite quote is one by Robert Benson, “All of the places of our lives are sanctuaries; some of them just happen to have steeples. And all of the people in our lives are saints; it is just that some of them have day jobs and most will never have feast days named for them.”
Robert C. Cail is interested in pursuing a career in math, chemistry and English. Robert is the son of Don and Paula Cail.
His university of choice is Vanderbilt or the University of Virginia.
“My favorite quote is one by Victor Hugo, ‘Life’s greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved.’”
Ciara Johnson is the daughter of Michael and Shanda Hogan.
She is interested in pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine at either the University of Oklahoma or the University of Colorado.
“I am an athletic trainer, and I absolutely love it,” Ciara said. “I have learned so much from Brian Choate and the training program at Santa Fe.”
Her favorite quote is one from Mahatma Ghandi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Justin Kendrick is the son of Greg and Kitty Kendrick.
With his eyes set on CalTech, he is interested in electrical engineering or software engineering.
“My special interests are writing software and designing electronics,” Justin said. “Always strive to be better than yourself.”
Sean Kim is the son of Sean K. Kim and Ok Sun Kim.
With a declared major of medicine his universities of choice are Brown, Rice or the University of Oklahoma.
Sean is involved in Tae Kwon Do and has been practicing for 14 years. In addition he flies private airplanes as a hobby.
“Be certain that you obtain resolute virtues instilled within yourself and use them to become academic eliltes,” is Sean’s favorite quote.
William Christian Pearson is the son of Bill and Beverly Pearson. He plans to major in music and minor in biology or pre-medicine.
Although undecided about his choice of higher education, at the moment he is thinking about the University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma City University.
“My interests lie in music, cross country, track, tennis and Student Council,” Christian said.
His favorite quote is, “From what we get, we can make a living. What we give, however, makes a life.” — Arthur Ashe
Bishop McGuinness
Katie Reap is the daughter of Mark and Angie Reap of Oklahoma City. Katie is undecided on colleges, but Washington University in St. Louis is at the top of her list. She is planning on majoring in English and dance.
Katie is active in Key Club, German Club and is a three-year member of National Honor Society. This past summer she was chosen as a Girls State representative.
Her hobby is ballet. She is a pre-professional student at Ballet Oklahoma where she has performed in various professional ballets.
Zach Yokell is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Yokell of Edmond. Zach has narrowed his college choices to Notre Dame and Duke, but remains undecided. He will major in biology. Zach has been a member of National Honor Society for three years and enjoys scouting.
Deer Creek
Jennifer James is the daughter of Gary and Shirley James. She is interested in majoring in chemistry or chemical engineering at either Baylor University or the University of Oklalhoma.
She is involved in the youth group at Northpointe Baptist Church.
“In the end an achievement is not about anything I can do myself, but about doing all I can with the gifts God has given me,” Jennifer said.
Sheridan Lindley is planning on majoring in English literature or psychology as an undergraduate and then attending law school.
“I will probably attend the University of Oklahoma or the University of Tulsa,” Sheridan said.
A senior who loves being a varsity cheerleader at Deer Creek High School, in her spare time she enjoys reading, writing and hanging out with her friends.
“My mom, who is a teacher, and several great teachers along the way have really helped me to succeed,” Sheridan said.
Her parents are Larry and Sharla Lindley.
Michael Pilcher is the son of Greg and Karen Pilcher.
Michael said he wants to go to New York University’s Stern School of Business and major in international business with a minor in Spanish.
“My interests include blues guitar, tennis and cooking Italian food,” Michael said.
Changsok Isaac Sung is the son of Hong and Ock Sung. With an interest in electrical engineering he plans on attending Rice University.
He enjoys music and audio engineering.
“My favorite quote is from the Bible,” Isaac said. “Happy is the man who finds wisdom and understanding for the gain from it is better than gain from silver and profit better than gold.” — Proverbs 3:13,14
Oklahoma Christian School
Garrett Gee is the son of Melanie Dillingham.
He has not decided on a major or a university although the University of Oklahoma or Tulsa University are his main choices.
With a special interest in football, Garrett said, “I believe that football has instilled in me a sense of discipline that has helped me to achieve in all areas of my life.”
Travis Lacy is the son of Forrest and Loretta Lacy. “I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but it will probably involve either pursuing a career in music, going to law school, or attending seminary,” Travis said.
“Hillsdale College, Wheaton and Princeton are my top three college choices, but I can’t really narrow it down from there.”
Travis said playing the piano has always been a huge part of his life.
“It’s relieved me from hours of stress, and I’ll continue to play regardless of my major,” Travis said. “Though I’m pretty uncertain about the specifics right now, whether I end up as a lawyer, piano performer or pastor, I know whatever I end up doing will be something that I passionately enjoy.”
Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Geatches is the daughter of Stephen and Ellen Geatches and is completing her senior year.
“I would love to study biochemistry at Stanford University and I love running,” Beth said. “I am honored to be named a National Merit Smifinalist, and I hope to continue my passion for learning throughout my life.”
Frank Han is the son of Ying Chen and Bingqiang Han.
He is interested in pursuing the areas of environmental studies, theater, biology and communications at either Northwestern University in Illinois or Carnegie Mellon University.
He enjoys creative writing, geoscience and comedy improvisation.
“OSSM has pushed me further than I ever thought possible,” Frank said. “I’ve met great people and I can’t wait to experience the challenge and diversity of a major university next year.”
Heritage Hall High School
Erin Brinkworth has her eyes set on a major in pre-medicine at the University of Oklahoma.
She is the daughter of Jim and Denise Brinkworth.
Erin likes playing field hockey and creating doodle masterpieces.
“I’m grateful for everything my parents and Heritage Hall have taught me because they’ve helped me get to this point and have fostered my excitement about the future,” Erin said.
Marni Fuller is the daughter of Bennett and Lori Fuller. She is interested in pursuing a degree in pre-medicine or architecture at Vanderbilt University or the University of Tulsa and has a special interest in the visual arts.
“I’ve channeled the rigor of my coursework into intense college preparation as most other Charger students have,” Marni said. “The six National Merit semi-finalists from Heritage Hall confirm the quality of a Heritage Hall education.”
Jacob O’Dell is the son of Richard Hal and Carol O’Dell and Stacey and Otis Foshee.
With special interests in basketball and golf, he plans to major in literature or history at Duke University or Vanderbilt University.
“Throughout my entertaining and exciting high school career, I’ve avoided restricting myself to one activity or interest,” Jacob said. “Academics, athletics, family and friends have all molded me into a very diverse person.”
Homeschool
Caleb K. Griffin is the son of Carl and May Griffin and is homeschooled.
With plans to go to Oklahoma Christian University or Oklahoma State University, Caleb is trying to choose between electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. He is finishing up his Eagle Scout badge and likes to play piano and basketball.
“When I was little I was told to do your best, and God will do the rest,” Caleb said. “I am doing my best and I am leaving the rest to God as I plan my career.”
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