Optimist Club of West Bloomfield Recognizes WBHS National Merit and National Achievement Semifinalist Students

(Source: West Bloomfield Schools)

Seven National Merit Semifinalists and three National Achievement Semifinalists were recognized at the Optimist Club of West Bloomfield regular meeting on Tuesday, November 13, at 7:30 am at the Stage Deli in West Bloomfield.

Optimist President Marge Schwartz, Superintendent Dr. Gerald D. Hill, and West Bloomfield High School Principal Thomas Shelton all presented an Optimist Certificate of Recognition, an Optimist Youth Appreciation Pin and a pen to the students, Spandana Alluri, Louise Brenner, Erin Finn, Priya Sorab, Micaela Trexler, Suha Syed, Olivia Finkelstein and Ciara Johnson, with their parents in attendance.

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. These students scored among the nation’s best on the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) taken during their junior year.

West Bloomfield High School National Merit Semifinalists

• Spandana Alluri: AP Scholar with honors, member of the National Honors Society, Law Club, VIP Club, International Club, Spanish Club, ACT Club and Model UN. Spandana also plays JV Tennis, JV basketball and is a member of the Marching Band.
• Louisa Brenner: AP scholar with Honors, National Honors Society, Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, member of Student Council, Student Government, French Club, Model U.N. and Youth Group, and is involved in Dance.
• Erin Finn: AP Scholar with Distinction, 2012 MITCA Miss Cross Country, National Honor Society, Interact Club, Spanish Club, Youth Group. Varsity Cross Country (2010 All-State All-American, 2011 State Champion and National Runner Up, 2011-2012 Gatorade Player of the Year, Michigan Runner of the Year, 2012 State Champion), Varsity Track and Field (2011 All State All American, 2012 State Champion and All American 5000m National Champion and High School Indoor National Record Holder)
• Priya Sorab: National Honor Society Honors, AP Scholar with Honors, National Merit Semifinalist, Arya International Academy Dance Award, International Club, Model United Nations, , Jew Clu and National Honor Society. Priya has constructed study guides and websites for subjucts such as AP US History, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Spanish, utilized by students around the nation.  
• Suha Syed: AP Scholar with Honors, Spanish Club, Model UN, International Club, Book Club, Earth Club, Cross Country, Track & Field
• Micaela Trexler: AP Scholar with Distinction, Intereact Club, Spanish Club, Earth Club, Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Tennis
• Sankeerth Garapati: unable to attend.

WBHS National Achievement Semifinalists

• Brian Baylor: unable to attend
• Olivia Finkelstein: International Thespian Society, National Honors Society, National Latin Exam Silver 2011, Gold 2012, Drama, Quizbowl, President of Venture Crew #1000, Tutor Project Reach, Gay Straight Alliance
• Ciara Johnson: Japanese Club