News Summary
Four exceptional seniors from Beverly Hills High School have been named National Merit Scholarship finalists, showcasing their academic excellence and hard work. Principal Drew Stewart expresses pride in their achievements, emphasizing their dedication. The finalists will now compete for scholarships, with only a limited number available. BHHS continues to excel academically, with numerous accolades and recognitions enhancing its reputation as a top educational institution.
Exciting Academic Triumphs in Beverly Hills
In the glamorous city of Beverly Hills, some incredible news is lighting up the halls of Beverly Hills High School! Four outstanding seniors have risen to the top as 2025 National Merit Scholarship finalists: Benjamin Bakshian, Tali Goldkorn, Andrew Smiler, and Sarah Zhang. This elite recognition isn’t just a badge of honor; it places these remarkable students among a select group known for their exceptional academic prowess.
What is the National Merit Scholarship Program?
For those unfamiliar, the National Merit Scholarship Program shines a spotlight on students who have aced the PSAT/NMSQT, along with demonstrating stellar academic records and leadership in their schools and communities. To even reach this finalist stage, these students had to impress with their achievements and potential, showcasing some serious dedication and hard work over their academic careers.
Principal Stewart’s Pride
The pride radiating from Beverly Hills High School’s Principal, Drew Stewart, is palpable. He believes that the recognition these four seniors have received reflects their intense commitment, intellectual curiosity, and sheer hard work. There’s no denying that they’ve put in the effort required to stand out in a sea of bright minds!
What’s Next for the Finalists?
Now that they’ve reached this significant milestone, it’s time for the finalists to move forward in their journey. They are vying for one of the coveted National Merit Scholarships, with winners set to be announced sometime between April and July. Out of approximately 16,000 semifinalists, only around 6,870 scholarships totaling nearly $26 million are up for grabs. The stakes are high, but these students are well on their way.
The Path to Finalist Status
To be crowned finalists, these students had to submit an extensive application. This included academic records, details about community service, proof of leadership qualities, and a recommendation from a school official. Additionally, they showcased their capabilities with satisfactory SAT or ACT scores and crafted an impressive essay. Thankfully, about 95% of semifinalists typically make it to finalist status, and roughly half of those will snag National Merit Scholarships!
Academic Excellence at BHHS
Beverly Hills High School has been racking up accolades this year, proving that it’s not just the finalists who are excelling. The school has received multiple national recognitions, including the Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll and a silver designation for college culture. Not to mention, over 62% of BHHS students are enrolled in at least one AP course, a notable jump from 56% the previous year.
Celebrating More Student Achievements
At a recent awards ceremony, it wasn’t just the finalists who were celebrated. A whopping 12 BHHS students were recognized as National Merit Scholars, and an additional 14 were honored for the College Board National Recognition Program. Several students also received accolades for being part of the National First-Generation, National Hispanic, and National African American Recognition groups based on their impressive PSAT/NMSQT and AP exam performances.
Looking Ahead: RAMP Designation
BHHS is wrapping up a seven-year journey to secure the RAMP designation from the American School Counselor Association. This prestige recognizes consistent alignment with the ASCA National Model, emphasizing a robust counseling program within the school. The Assistant Superintendent of Education Services, Dr. Dustin Seemann, highlighted just how vital achieving this RAMP designation is for the school’s counseling program.
Beverly Hills High School continues to be a beacon of academic achievement and excellence, and with the success of these students on the national stage, the community has much to celebrate. As the school year progresses, it will be exciting to see how these finalists make their mark in the competition and how the school continues to support its scholars on their educational journeys.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beverly Hills Honors Four High School National Merit Finalists
Additional Resources
- Beverly Press: Beverly Hills High School Seniors Named National Merit Finalists
- Wikipedia: National Merit Scholarship Program
- Patch: 4 BHHS Students Named National Merit Scholarship Finalists
- Google Search: National Merit Scholarship
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHHS Earns AP Honor Roll and National Merit Scholarships
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scholarship (education)
- Daily News: National Merit 2025 LA County Scholarship Semifinalists Announced
- Google News: Beverly Hills High School
