News - ALHS National Merit Finalists

Published on February 26, 2024

 

Congratulations to Avon Lake High School seniors Mary Bigenho, Jack Fink and Dylan Missal for advancing to Finalist standing in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP). The students are among only 15,000 Finalists of the more than 1.5 million NMSP entrants. These finalists represent less than 1-percent of the nation’s high school seniors and will now compete for nearly 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a not-for-profit organization that awards scholarships to high school seniors annually.

 

“We are proud of Mary, Jack, and Dylan for earning this remarkable accomplishment, highlighting their commitment to their education and school community," said Michael May, Avon Lake High School principal. "This achievement not only reflects their exceptional talents, but also Avon Lake High School’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a legacy of academic excellence. Our nationally ranked high school continues to empower and inspire all students to reach their highest potential, creating a bright future for each and every member of our school community.”

 

For more information on the National Merit Scholarship Program, go to nationalmerit.org.

 

Avon Lake High School National Merit Scholarship Finalists: 

Mary Bigenho, 17

High school activities: Diversity Club (president), M.I.N.D. Club (president), Book Club (president), IMMIX, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Math Club, Peer Leaders. Debate Club

Hobbies: Reading, singing, playing with her dog, spending time with her nephews and niece

Colleges of interest: Wellesley College, Davidson College, The College of William & Mary, Queens University, Vanderbilt University, Yale University

Possible major(s): Sociology, Political Science, Humanities, History

Parents: Alison Smith (mother)

 

 

 

Jack Fink, 17

High school activities: Robotics, Math Team

Hobbies: Skiing, robotics, programming, video games

Colleges of interest: University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University, Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 

Possible major(s): Computer Science

Parents: Stephen and Tamara Fink

 

 

Dylan Missal, 18

High school activities: Academic Challenge, Math Club, Peer Leaders, National Honor Society

Hobbies: Piano, karate, reading, watching and analyzing sports

Colleges of interest: University of Alabama, University of Richmond, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame

Possible major(s): Math, Physics

Parents: Kevin and Patricia Missal 

Dylan also earned a Perfect Score (36) on the ACT last year.