Schools

Six from Downers Grove South Named National Merit Commended Students

The six students ranked among the top 5 percent of the roughly 1.5 million students who took the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Six seniors from Downers Grove South High School have been recognized as "Commended Students" in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. 

Students who earned "commended" distinction show "outstanding academic promise,” according to the NMSC. 

Approximately 34,000 Commended Students are recognized from around the nation each year. Although these students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, these Commended Students place among the top 5 percent of the roughly 1.5 million students who took the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). 

Students are selected based on test scores, an essay, their schools’ curricula and school official recommendations, as well as involvement in activities and leadership.

The following seniors from Community High School District 99 were cited as 2014 National Merit Commended students:

  • Daniel P. Balsamo (South High School student from Downers Grove)
  • Mira Marchioretto (South High School student from Downers Grove)
  • Nicole Nowak (South High School student from Downers Grove)
  • Emma Venetis (South High School student from Downers Grove)
  • Rachel Wydra (South High School student from Downers Grove)
  • Saeeda Zaman (South High School student from Woodridge)

“To be recognized by a program of such high caliber is a significant achievement,” Downers Grove South Principal Steve Bild said in a statement. “We are proud of all of these students and know each one has a bright future.”


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