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Six Vanguard Students Named National Merit Semifinalists
SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Public Relations & Communications Officer
352.671.7555 ◊ FAX: 352.671.7735 ◊ CELL: 352.840.3265
Email: Public.Relations@Marion.k12.fl.us
SIX VANGUARD STUDENTS NAMED
NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS
MARION COUNTY – Six Vanguard High School seniors, along with two home-schooled seniors, are semifinalists in the competitive 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious college programs.
With approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, these students represent less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors, indicating the high honor of being named a semifinalist.
Terry Derias is 17 years old and previously attended Dr. NH Jones Elementary and Howard Middle schools. She may attend the University of Florida to major in pre-medicine. Her eventual goal is to become a pediatrician. She is the daughter of Onsi and Gehan Derias.
Daniel Egitto is 18 years old and previously attended Maplewood Elementary and Osceola Middle schools. Though undecided on a specific college, he plans to major in English for a potential career in journalism. He’s the son of James and Christine Egitto.
Jacob Mosley is 17 years old and attended Eighth Street Elementary and Osceola Middle schools. He plans to study bioengineering at Stanford University. He’s the son of Kevin and Andrea Mosley.
Riya Patel is 17 years old and attended Wyomina Park and Dr. NH Jones Elementary schools, along with Howard Middle School. She plans to major in pre-medicine at either the University of Florida or the University of Missouri - Kansas City, to become a cardiologist. Her parents are Jigisha and Lavesh Patel.
Harrell Phillips is 17 years old and previously attended Dr. NH Jones Elementary and Howard Middle schools. He has narrowed his college choices to three – the University of Florida, Stanford University, or Oklahoma State University to major in animal sciences. His parents are Hal and Debbie Phillips.
Kunal Upadya is 17 years old and previously attended Sumter County public schools. He may study material science at Stanford University to become an engineer. His parents are Anu and Shrikanth Upadya.
Home-schooled seniors include Zachary Player and Ellen Reynolds.
Starting in March 2017, these students will learn if they advance to the next round as finalists.
The 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program will award $33 million in college scholarships to more than 7,500 students from 1.6 million entrants. The program has handed out over $1.6 billion in scholarships since it started in 1955.
For more information, contact my office or visit www.nationalmerit.org.
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Vanguard High's 2017 National Merit Semifinalists (l-r):
Terry Derias, Harrell Phillips, Jacob Mosley, Riya Patel, Kunal Upadya and Daniel Egitto