2 District 5 Students Awarded National Merit Scholarships

Two students from Lexington-Richland School District Five have been named winners of the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Chapin High School student Michael Caleb Bagley and Dutch Fork High School student Lauren Blanchette are among the 2,500 Merit Scholar designees nationwide receiving this year’s awards. The winners receive a $2,500 scholarship. 

Chapin High School Principal Dr. Akil Ross said, “We are very proud of Caleb and his academic accomplishments. He is a model student and a great representative of the ideals of Chapin High School.” 

Dutch Fork High School Principal Dr. Gregory Owings added, “Lauren is gifted, energetic, dependable, motivated and an all-around outstanding young lady. She represents the best of what we hope for in our young people, and we’re sure she will make significant contributions as an adult.” 

The National Merit Scholarship recipients are chosen by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors. The Scholars were judged on a combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Nearly 8,000 students nationwide have earned the “Merit Scholar” title since the National Merit Scholar Corporation was founded in 1955. 

From Lexington-Richland 5's Office of Public Information