Provided by Prince William County Schools (PWCS)
Congratulations to Battlefield High School Senior Ilene Jang Hong. She was named one of the PWCS semifinalists in the 2020 National Merit ® Scholarship Program.
The National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarships Corporation (NMSC) recently announced approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 65th National Merit Scholarship Program. NMSC offers three types of National Merit Scholarships. Finalists will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit ® $2,500 Scholarships awarded on a state-representational basis. About 1,000 corporate-sponsored scholarships awards will be provided by more than 200 corporations and business organizations for Finalists who meet their specified criteria. Yet another 4,100 college-sponsored scholarships will be provided by nearly 180 colleges and universities.
Ilene entered the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2018 SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). This test serves as an initial screening. By being one of the highest-scoring entrants in the states, Ilene has been recognized as a semifinalist. Semifinalists make up less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors.
Ilene’s Academic Success
When asked about her academic success, Ilene recognized her high school teachers. She said, “My teachers throughout high school have always been willing to help and provide for an engaging classroom experience. They want to help me improve and expand my capabilities. My success as a student would not have been possible without the support of my teachers and the love for learning they fostered in me.”
She also gave credit to her parents, saying, “My parents have been with me every step of the way. They gave me endless motivation and pushed me to work hard both inside and outside of school.”
Ilene looks forward to attending a four-year university after graduation, where she plans to follow the pre-med track. In the meantime, at Battlefield, she is the co-president of the Science National Honor Society, and co-president of the Medical Club.
