Senior Olivia Miller has been named a Semifinalist in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship® Program. Olivia is among the 16,000 academically talented Semifinalists from throughout the country who will compete for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships offered next spring worth more than $28 million.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
Olivia shares more about herself below, along with some wise advice for younger students.
Good luck, Olivia! M-W is so proud!
Q: What activities are you involved in (in school and out)?
A: I am a competitive and Company dancer at M’Lanie Hunter Dance, where I also work as a dance teacher. I’m involved with MW’s art community, including NAHS and Art Guild, and I’m a senior art major. I’ve also been a member of STARS for three years, and this year I will be working as the co-president of the club.
Q: What does being named a NMS Semifinalist mean to you?
A: I was so excited when I first found out that I was a semifinalist! It’s an opportunity that I am so grateful to have, and I’m really proud of this achievement.
Q: What is your plan for the future?
A: I plan on studying science and minoring in dance in college. After that, I’m not quite sure yet!
Q: How do you feel your M-W education prepared you for success?
A: I’ve had some fantastic teachers at M-W, like Mr. Clearwater and Mr. Hatfield, who both prepared me really well by teaching me critical thinking skills.
Q: What is your favorite memory of your high school years?
A: My favorite memories were made with the friends in my tougher classes. After a hard test, we would all laugh together about what questions we didn't have a clue about. This sense of community is very special to me, and it made me more comfortable with making mistakes.
Q: What do you hope your legacy will be?
A: I hope other students will be encouraged to pursue whatever opportunities are available to them. There are so many chances to grow as a person and as a student in high school, and I hope everyone feels motivated to take advantage of them.
Q: What advice would you give younger students?
A: Don’t stress yourself out! Just find what you love, and the rest will fall into place.
Photo: MWHS Principal Elisa Soto congratulates NMS Semifinalist Olivia Miller.