The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced that four Dallas ISD students are among this year’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners. They are:
- Vedant N. Tapiavala – School for the Talented and Gifted (Townview TAG)
- Rithika Ganga – School of Science and Engineering Magnet (Townview SEM)
- Maanas K. Sharma – School of Science and Engineering Magnet (Townview SEM)
- Arjun Vikram – School of Science and Engineering Magnet (Townview SEM)
The winners are the finalists in each state 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. Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
These scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors based on their academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
The NMSC finances most of these single-payment $2,500 scholarships. Corporations and company foundations that sponsor awards through NMSC also help underwrite these scholarships with grants they provide in lieu of administrative fees.
