Cole Parsons from Manhattan has been designated a National Merit Scholar.
The National Merit Scholar Corporation announced on Tuesday that Parsons, a senior at Manhattan High, has won the National Merit Ascension Scholarship, which is funded by Ascension and is open to the children of the health system’s partners.
Mechanical engineering is Parsons’ most likely field of study. He was among three MHS students chosen semifinalists in September.
To become a Merit Scholar, students must first achieve a high score on the PSAT. They also submit “detailed” scholarship applications, which contain an academic record, involvement in school and community activities, employment, and any accolades or awards won.
School administrators support and suggest the applicants, and students compose an essay. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, more than 15,000 applications are expected to advance to the finalist round. Only half of them get a scholarship.
160 organizations have offered around 840 corporate-sponsored rewards to candidates who match the criteria. The winners will be announced from April to July.
