Dawson students become merit finalists

Three Dawson School seniors recently earned the honor of becoming National Merit Finalists: Allie Blank, Ben Deitsch, and Ben Squarer.

The National Merit Scholarship corporation administers the PSAT test each year to 11th-graders across the country, at Dawson and other schools; 10th-graders also take it as a 'trial run.' The top one-half of one percent of test-takers in each state go on to become semifinalists, who then go through a rigorous selection process to become finalists.

"Dawson is honored to report that three of our students have earned this accomplishment - and to have three from our graduating class of 56 is quite extraordinary," Ann Carson, director of upper school for Dawson, said. "These students have earned this recognition through their diligent work as well as through involvement in a wide variety of Dawson activities and campus life. We are delighted to be celebrating their achievement."

Merit Scholarship Awards will be awarded to 7,500 of the finalists based on abilities, skills and accomplishments. Awards range from a $2,500 scholarship to as much as a full four-year scholarship to certain colleges and universities.