News

Levi Johnson chosen as National Merit semi-finalist

By KENDRA WISS Staff Writer

Levi Johnson, a senior at Forsan High School has been chosen as a National Merit Scholarship joining some 16,000 scholastically talented students that will now compete for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards worth $33.9 million.

Johnson knew he'd been selected as a semifinalist for three weeks before the official announcement was made. "I wasn't allowed to tell anyone, even teachers," said Johnson. "It was exciting news and it was hard not tell."

As a junior, Johnson joined more than 1.3 million students entering the 2005 National Merit Program by taking the 2003 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as an initial screen of program entrants. Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors take the difficult exam. Johnson was chosen as a semifinalist based on his academic performance on the PSAT. When Johnson completes the SAT, those scores will confirm his test performance. Both Johnson and the school must submit a detailed scholarship application which will include Johnson's self-descriptive essay and information about his participation and leadership in school and community activities.

Johnson is active in marching band; solo and ensemble competitions; UIL journalism, math and debate; one act play; and National Honor Society.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements and advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to become finalists and half of the finalists will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners.

Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.

Johnson is considering several colleges in Texas and plans to major in mathematics possibly leading to a degree in engineering.

"I'm looking forward to learning the results in January or February to see if I advance," said Johnson. Finalists will know about scholarship results in May or June.

Contact Staff Writer Kendra Wiss at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at reporter@bigspringherald.com