Two Local Students Receive National Merit Scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced today the 2013 $2,500 Merit Scholarship winners. There are 8,000 students nationwide who will receive a National Merit Scholarship in 2013, totally $35 million.

According to a release, students are selected based on academic record, "scores from two standardized tests, contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official."

Locally, the following students have been named National Merit Scholarship recipients:

Name: Rachel S. Heise

Hometown: Pottstown

School: Owen J. Roberts High School

Probable Career Field: Chemical Engineering

Name: Nabil Shaikh

Hometown: Reading

School: The Hill School

Probable Career Field: Medicine