By Holtville High School’s News Class
Updated – Richard Burleson, Jr. is now one of 15,000 students across the country to be chosen as a National Merit Finalist. They were announced in February of this year. Richie has narrowed his college choices to the University of Alabama and Auburn University where he will pursue a degree in Engineering. We are so proud of Richie and wish him the best of luck!
NMSC Mission Statement
The mission of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is to recognize and honor the academically talented students of the United States. NMSC accomplishes its mission by conducting nationwide academic scholarship programs. The enduring goals of NMSC’s scholarship programs are:
- To promote a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular
- To shine a spotlight on brilliant students and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education
- To stimulate increased support from individuals and organizations that wish to sponsor scholarships for outstanding scholastic talent
Original Story:
Holtville High School has a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. Richard, “Richie” Burleson, Jr. has moved through the prestigious scholarship process to join the top 1% of high school seniors in the country. The scholarship process began in his junior year when he sat for the PSAT which is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Approximately 16,000 students were announced as semifinalists in September, and Richie is the only one in the Deatsville area to be selected. On discovering this information, Richie said “I feel honored, happy, and excited for the possibilities that being a Semifinalist brings. I also feel grateful to the family, teachers, and school faculty who helped me along the way. I consider myself to be fortunate, and I was surprised when I heard no one else in the area was selected.”
The rigorous application process includes the students’ academic record, demonstration of leadership, participation in school and community activities, employment, honors, and awards. Additionally, Richie will have to get the recommendation of school officials and submit an essay. His ACT or SAT scores must also be high enough to confirm her PSAT scores.
Richie is involved in many extracurricular activities, volunteer groups, and is an Eagle Scout. It is very important to be a well-rounded student, and Richie shows perseverance through everything he does. Richie’s advice to underclassmen is to “try different extracurriculars and classes to explore your interests. Try a technical class if you have time.
If you plan on attending college, focus on the ACT and maybe try Dual Enrollment or AP classes to earn some college credit.”
“Richie is among the brightest and best young men I’ve seen during my time in education. He is not only brilliant, but also kind, respectful, and hard working. It has been a pleasure to watch many of his ambitions be realized, and I am very proud to see him earn this honor as a National Merit Semifinalist!” says Holtville High School Principal Kyle Futral.
Richie not only is a Semifinalist, he is also a leader at the school in the band and theater. Richie scored a perfect score on the ACT and was also awarded the prestigious level of Eagle Scout this summer. Richie personifies what Holtville High School promotes to all students – “Every student empowered, every student succeeds.”
From April through July 2022, approximately 7,500 finalists for the $30 million National Merit Scholarship will be announced. Three types of scholarships will be offered; approximately 2,500 National Merit worth $2,500, approximately 1000 corporate sponsored Merit Scholarships and approximately 4,000 scholarships awarded by 4,000 colleges for Finalists who attend their school.
While enjoying his Senior year, Richie is deciding on where to attend school and is breaking down his list of colleges to attend. “My college dream list includes Auburn, Alabama, Georgia Tech, and MIT. My planned major is mechanical engineering, but I am also interested in aerospace engineering and business administration.”
