Lapeer West senior Aidan E. Smith has been named a Commended Student in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.
A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will be presented to Smith by Lapeer West Principal Tim Zeeman for his scholastic accomplishment.
Aidan, a senior at Lapeer West, is the son of Jennifer and Stephen Smith of Lapeer. He has a 3.98 grade point average and is a member of the Symphony, Marching and Jazz Bands at West. He also is a member of the Cross Country team and is an active member of Quiz Bowl. His plans include applying for a Marine NROTC scholarship and to study animal science at a university yet to be decided.
About 34,000 Commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2011 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
“Recognition of high-achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation,” said a National Merit spokesperson. “As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named Commended Students represent some of the most academically talented students in the country. We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of academic success.”
