Student from Edgewood Named National Achievement Scholarship Finalist

Jenna Hebert of and Alexis Allen of Avalon are among more than 1,300 outstanding black American high school seniors who were named finalists in the 48th annual National Achievement® Scholarship Program.

These students are eligible to win one of 800 Achievement Scholarships® worth more than $2.4 million to be offered this spring.

Allen and Hebert were among more than 160,000 high school juniors who requested consideration in the 2012 National Achievement Scholarship Program when they took the 2010 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Approximately 1,600 high scoring participants were named semifinalists last fall on a regional representation basis.

In order to advance to the finalist level, semifinalists had to present a record of high academic performance throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the school head, write an essay, earn SAT scores confirming their PSAT/NMSQT performance, and complete a detailed scholarship application, providing information about participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities and educational goals.

The 1,300 finalists now compete for one of 700 single-payment National Achievement $2,500 Scholarships, which are awarded on a regional representation basis. In addition, corporate sponsors underwrite about 100 Achievement Scholarship awards for finalists who meet criteria set by the grantor.

Although some corporate-sponsored awards provide a single payment, most are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.