Five new faces have appeared on the cafeteria wall. Nathan Makowski, Rachel McClaine, Megan McClary, Alexa Patrizio, and Ryan Pfab are the newest National Merit Scholars. They earned this honor by scoring high on the PSAT. Ryan Pfab and Alexa Patrizio answered some questions on their new title.

Ryan Pfab

What does being named a National Merit Scholar mean to you?

“Achieving this award makes me feel proud of my accomplishments in high school.”

How did you become a National Merit Scholar?

“I was in the top 25 in my class, so I received the Princeton Review class for free.  For a couple Saturdays in the morning, I went to school and learned PSAT test-taking strategies.  Then I scored in the 99th percentile on the PSATs.”

How do you feel about having your picture displayed in the cafe?

“It makes me quite uncomfy.”

Do you have any advice for anyone who aspires to be a National Merit Scholar?

“Prepare yourself for the PSATs and don’t stress out on test day.  Just relax and don’t worry about getting every single question right.  Just answer to the best of your ability.”

Alexa Patrizio

What does being a National Merit Scholar mean to you?

“I think it’s a great opportunity!”

How did you become a National Merit Scholar?

“I was sponsored by a business.”

How do you feel about having your picture displayed in the cafe?

“Weird. Everyone calls me out on it. I’ll get random snapchats of it from my friends.”

Do you have any advice for anyone who aspires to be a National Merit Scholar?

“No.”