Hard work pays off
St. Joseph student National Merit Scholar finalist
John participates in a play at St. Joseph High School.
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He swims, acts and marches in the St. Joseph High School Marching Band.
John Russell is one busy senior. He has spent all four years of high school participating in extra curricular activities.
And he never lost sight of his studies, he said.
"I think good time management between programs and studying has helped me succeed," John said.
After taking the Preliminary SAT as a junior and scoring a 227, John was selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
"I was shocked; I didn't expect to be selected," John said.
The selection index on the PSAT score report determines eligibility in the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, according to the College Board Web site.
If the sum of the three scores, math, writing and critical reading, is a 147 or higher, the student may be eligible. Only students in the 11th grade are eligible. The selection index ranges from 60 to 240.
"I was just so glad to be chosen. I feel like all my hard work has paid off," John said.
He and 16,000 other students were selected as semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
"I plan on attending Baylor, and any kind of scholarship I can get will help with expenses," John said.
His parents Bill and Janet Russell said they are proud of their only child's accomplishments.
"I would like to say that his mom and I had something to do with his accomplishments, but he has always pushed himself to do his best," his father said.
John received a letter in February stating he was a NMSP finalist.
"I had to fill out so many application forms and write essays, it's all paid off," John said.
Baylor University has awarded John the Regents' Gold Scholarship for being a National Merit Scholar finalist.
"The scholarship will pay full undergraduate tuition," his mother said.
John said he is just trying to enjoy the couple of months left in his senior year.
"I'm just trying to get everything prepared for college and enjoying the end of the school year," John said.
Events like prom and graduation top his list while he waits to hear back from the scholarship program.
John will pursue a bachelor's degree in business and Spanish at Baylor.
"Then I would like to attend law school," John said.
The 2009 National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced from April to July.
HONORS RECEIVED
Every year on the academic honor roll
Outstanding achievement award, English II
Outstanding achievement award, Algebra II
St. Joseph Board of Directors Academic Achievement Award
Four First Division Solo and Ensemble awards
Accepted to Baylor University
Regents' ...
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HONORS RECEIVED
Every year on the academic honor roll
Outstanding achievement award, English II
Outstanding achievement award, Algebra II
St. Joseph Board of Directors Academic Achievement Award
Four First Division Solo and Ensemble awards
Accepted to Baylor University
Regents' Gold Scholarship, full undergraduate tuition paid for Baylor University
PSAT score 227 of a possible 240
SAT score 2330 of a possible 2400
