Image Credit: Lauryn Maher

NMSC Honors Two PAA Students

Portland Adventist Academy (PAA) seniors Will Johnson and Keith Zimmerman were named Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) for scoring in the top 3 percent on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).

More than 1.5 million students took the PSAT last year. Only 34,000 students scored in the top 3 percent and were named Commended Students by the NMSC.

The PSAT not only qualifies students for the National Merit Scholar Competition, but it also serves as a practice test for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which many colleges and universities use as an entrance exam.

In an all-school assembly, Dan Nicola, PAA principal, recognized Johnson and Zimmerman for their commendations by the NMSC. “It’s rare for schools to have students reach this level of academic excellence,” said Nicola in his presentation.

Academic achievements like these are a positive reflection of Adventist education. “These students represent a valuable national resource,” says Michelle Cicirello, NMSC executive director. “Recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation.”

Featured in: December 2013

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