Avondale High School senior, Andy Jiang, joins an elite group of high school seniors across the nation named Semifinalists in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship competition. Representing less than one percent of the 1.5 million high school juniors who took the 2014 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, the Semifinalists have earned the chance to compete for more than $32 million in National Merit Scholarships that will be offered next spring.
Avondale High School Principal, Sharon Hyde and Andy Jiang, National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
Part of the Avondale School District community since he was a Woodland Elementary School Wildcat, Jiang feels a strong connection to the community and is not only an exemplary student but also a committed leader among his peers. Serving as National Honor Society treasurer and captain of the Varsity swim team, he is also heavily involved in the efforts of the high school leadership class and has participated in many activities that demonstrate his support of local initiatives. “I’ve been part of leadership class for three years and the experiences have helped to define me. A big part of who I am is related to school and school-based activities like the community outreach projects I’ve worked on.”
Jiang identified Avondale High School graduate and president of the Class of 2015, Lauren Wojtowicz, as a person who has been a big influence in his life, compelling him to choose extra-curricular activities with a community service component including NHS Blood Drives, Caring and Sharing Week, and Middle School Training. “Lauren showed me how much she loves the community. She was committed to helping others and she inspired me to feel the same.”
Anqi Yu, Avondale High School physics teacher, has worked with many of the school’s most motivated students and considers Jiang to be “well-rounded and dedicated to his education.” She adds that, “Andy participates in numerous clubs and Varsity sports and he has enough school spirit to light up the entire school!”
Avondale economics and leadership class teacher, Carolyn Benson agrees, saying “whether it’s an academic pursuit or a leadership activity, Andy always gives his very best.”
With plans to apply to colleges in and out of state including University of Michigan, Georgia Tech, University of Chicago and Stanford University, Jiang is undecided about a specific area of study but will focus his early years on Computer Science and Computer Engineering. Crediting his mother, Flora Qian, for his determination to excel in his studies, Jiang explained that she “set expectations without ever saying a word about them – she just made me want to do well for myself.”
About the National Merit Scholarship Program: The program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. As Semifinalists, students must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About half of the students attaining Finalists level will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
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