David Waite is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist!

eSTEM senior David Waite was honored at the April Board Meeting for his recognition as a finalist as a National Merit Scholar. The National Merit Scholarship Program was founded to identify and honor scholastically talented American youth and to encourage them to develop their abilities to the fullest. Through this nationwide competition National Merit Scholarships are awarded to program Finalists and Special Scholarships are awarded to other high performing participants.

High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)—a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements. David’s scores were high enough to qualify for the program.

David plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to study engineering. “The eSTEM pathway at Reynoldsburg High School allowed me to choose from a variety of pathways,” said David. “I plan to use my first year at college to explore my options, but because of my pathway at eSTEM, I am pretty sure I want to become an engineer.”

To prepare for college life, David took classes at The Ohio State University and has credits that will transfer. He will also participate in a work experience program in addition to his regular class schedule at The University of Cincinnati.

In his spare time, David plays clarinet in the band and enjoys a variety of sports as well as reading.

Congratulations, David!