Sterling Heights students in top 1% of nation

Two Sterling Heights seniors are among only 2,500 students nationally, and approximately 80 graduates statewide, to be named National Merit Scholarship winners.

Drew Beckman, of Stevenson High School and George Paul, of the Utica Academy for International Studies (UAIS), have each earned a $2,500 scholarship through the National Merit Corporation.

Paul says the scholarship will help offset his tuition for electrical engineering and business classes at the University of Michigan. He credits his success to the rigor of the International Baccalaureate program at UAIS.

“[UAIS] has completely changed my life,” he says.

National Merit Scholarship winners are judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.

“We are proud that Utica Community Schools students continue to meet our high expectations through recognition as among the nation’s top students,” says Superintendent Dr Christine Johns.

The winners were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; 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.