NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS IN 2014:

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation last week announced the 2014 winners of the prestigious $2500 National Merit Scholarship.  A total of 10 Katy ISD students were named among only 2,500 designees across the nation.

Katy ISD's National Merit Scholarship winners are:

*Joes Gu, Cinco Ranch High School; probable career field:  biochemical engineering

*Austin Kuo, Taylor High School; probable career field:  chemical engineering

*Sarina Madhavan, Cinco Ranch High School; probable career field:  biomedical engineering

*Ojas Potnis, Seven Lakes High School; probable career field:  medicine

*Anthony Qi, Seven Lakes High School; probable career field:  corporate finance

*Dhanatcha Sadetaporn, Taylor High School; probable career field:  medicine

*Siddharth Seethepalli, Seven Lakes High School;  probable career field:  computer science

*Vidisha Srivastav, Seven Lakes High School;  probable career field:  bioengineering

*Catherine Wu, Cinco Ranch High School;  probable career field:  medicine

*Jonathan Zong, Taylor High School; probable career field:  computer science

 These scholars 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, studies, 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.

To date this academic year, Katy ISD has a total of 15 seniors receiving scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation --four Corporate sponsored Merit Scholarship winners, one National Achievement  Scholarship winner*, and the 10 students announced last week.  College sponsored Merit Scholarships and Winners are expected to be announced in late May.  For more information, visit www.nationalmerit.org