Five Bishop Watterson High School seniors have been named National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Approximately 16,000 Semifinalists were announced, based upon their scores on the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). These academically talented seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million that will be offered next spring.
Pictured left to right:
Seated
Olivia Britt plans to major in Secondary Math Education at Columbia University or The Ohio State University. She is a captain of the BWHS cross country and track teams, a member of the executive committee of the WELL Club and an outreach leader for Freshman Entourage. In addition, Olivia is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Senior Leadership Team, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and the St. Brendan LifeTeen Youth Group.
Olivia's service record includes: St. Brendan altar server, Eucharistic minister, lector and Sunday School teacher's aide; National Honor Society tutoring; and BWHS recycling program.
Sophia Wible is a four-year member of the varsity tennis team as well as a member of the Latin, French, Business and WELL clubs. She is a member of the planning committee for the Freshman Entourage, has participated in the BWHS Italian and French exchange programs and works at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.
Sophia's volunteer experience includes five years with the Columbus Zoo's Zoo Aide Program, seven years as an altar server at St. Brigid, and three years as a teen volunteer at Riverside Hospital. She is also a member of St. Brigid's youth group.
Standing
Maria Jeric plans to study biology or biochemistry in college. She is a four-year member of the varsity tennis team, plays the flute for the BWHS Worship Band, is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and a Kairos retreat leader. She is also a member of the Bright Futures Leadership Program at the YWCA.
Maria's service includes several roles at St. Brigid: altar server, leader and helper for the Children's Choir, and High School Choir member and flautist. She also volunteers at the Holiday Clearing House for People in Need of Delaware County.
Bridget Geyer plans to study pre-med (neuroscience) at Princeton University, Stanford University or Georgetown University. She is Vice President of the National Honor Society, a member of the WELL Club executive board and is chair of Student Council's Charity Comittee. Bridget is also captain of the Dublin Crew rowing team.
She volunteers at Nationwide Children's Hospital and serves as an assistant coach for the St. Brendan middle school girls.
Gino Dettorre plans to study molecular biology and Spanish on a pre-med track at Princeton University, Vanderbilt University or the University of Pennsylvania. He finished as the top student (out of 27) and received the Distinguished Scholar Award for his participation in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Mechanisms of Human Health and Disease summer program this year. This fall Gino will start a position at the Research Institute as a student researcher in molecular biology.
He is serving as Senior Class President and a member of Student Council and also President of National Honor Society. He is a member of the varsity cross country team as well as the In The Know team.
Much of Gino's service is centered around his talent playing the piano, which he also teaches. He plays at Masses at Our Lady of Peace, Wesley Glen Retirement Community and Bishop Watterson as well as accompanying the BWHS school choirs. In addition, he volunteers at Nationwide Children's Hospital
For more information, go to www.nationalmerit.org.