National Merit Scholars Kristina Dziki and Sierra Offutt continue Fallston's proud tradition of academic excellence.
- Eva Benvenga
For most students, the benefits of taking the PSAT usually include getting a ball park score for the forthcoming SATs, identifying areas where improvement is needed, and of course, getting some extra practice in before that fateful Saturday morning.
But for two Fallston seniors, taking the PSATs has proven to be much more beneficial than that. Kristina Dziki and Sierra Offutt received Letters of Commendation this past month for their outstanding academic potential as demonstrated by their superior performance on the PSAT last year.
The National Merit Scholarship Program offers the opportunity to explore educational institutions that would otherwise be beyond their reach.
“It’s a huge honor to be recognized for doing well on a mandatory test,” said Sierra Offutt, “but I’m mostly glad that it helps open up more opportunities for my education later on.”
There are five levels of achievement to the National Merit Scholarship Program: Program Recognition, Commended Students, Semifinalists, Finalists, and Scholarship Winners.
To be commended, students must have the qualifying score for program recognition, and that April after the test is administered, provide the program with two colleges or universities that they would like to have their achievement information sent to.
“The big perk to being commended is that I was able to choose two schools to send my contact information, tentative major choice, and career choice to, and my 2010 PSAT scores,” explained Kristina Dziki. “I chose University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins.”
In late September, those who qualified for program recognition are notified with either news of commendation or semifinalist status.
“Fallston High School’s dedication to student achievement is evident in every area of the school,” said Mrs. Sullivan. “Fallston High School is very proud of the 2011 Commended Students, Kristina and Sierra. And Fallston High School is hopeful that this year’s PSAT test takers will continue the proud tradition of academic excellence.”