National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Congratulations to Sebastian Barretto and Jason Chon, both from Canyon High School, who were announced as National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Finalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Approximately half the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, regardless of gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2023. Every Finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit® $2500 Scholarships awarded on a state-representational basis. Approximately 180 corporations and business organizations will provide about 950 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 160 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 3,800 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.
National Merit Scholarship winners of 2023 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join nearly 368,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.
NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. NMSC underwrites scholarships with its own funds and by approximately 340 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.
Every Student Succeeding
Each year, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) recognizes 19 students for overcoming odds and achieving success. The purpose of this award is to honor students who have succeeded beyond expectations or won the hearts of the administrators and other educators who helped them achieve their goals.
We are proud to share that Jaxon H. received the ACSA Every Student Succeeding Award for OUSD this year. Jaxon experienced multiple academic, environmental, and medical challenges in his educational career. Jaxon's story of survival is truly noteworthy and immensely heartwarming.
However, with the special education team's individualized planning and support, Jaxon developed the resilience that allowed him not to be defined by his challenges; but instead by his ability to manage the adversity he faced. He has worked hard to overcome and manage many challenges that he has been presented with.
Defying most logic, Jaxon has become one of the most successful students in our Aspire Special Education Program at Parkside Center. Currently, Jaxon is on track for graduation with a 3.2 GPA, attends school with consistency and intent, and has plans to seek a technical career in the medical field. Aside from his academic success, Jaxon is a kind, caring, and respectful young man. He has learned to advocate for himself and understands that he has so much human value to offer. He has taken charge of his innumerable concomitant challenges. Jaxon truly inspires us with his courage and resilience! Great job, Jaxon!
The ACSA Every Student Succeeding Award Ceremony is scheduled on March 3 at Bowers Museum.
Now Enrolling for 2023-2024
Give your child the Orange Unified EDGE! orangeusd.org/enroll
- Preschool - Child Care - TK-12 Learning
- Full-Day TK & Kindergarten at Each Elementary Site
- EDGE Academy K-12 Online Learning Option
- Elementary & Diploma IB Programmes
- Dual Immersion Programs: Mandarin Chinese & Spanish
- 1:1 Take Home Devices
- 100% WASC-Accredited Middle & High Schools
- Extensive Advanced Placement Course Offerings
- Early College Enrollment
- CIF Championship Athletics Teams
- 25 Career Technical Education Pathways
To learn more or book a school tour, please visit orangeusd.org/learnmore or call 714-628-4350.
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Email: communications@orangeusd.org
Website: www.orangeusd.org
Location: 1401 North Handy Street, Orange, CA, USA
Phone: 714-628-4000
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