John Carroll High School Student Named Commended Studentin the National Merit Scholarship Program!

Mr. Ben Hopper, principal of John Carroll High School, announced recently that Ihla R. Stanton has been named Commended Student in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, was presented to this scholastically talented senior.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2010 competition by taking the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Ihla is a proud member of the Anchor Club (serving as Senior Director), History Club (serving as Historian), Youth for Life Club (serving as Secretary), National Honor Society (serving as Treasurer), Spanish Club, and Alpha Peer Ministry. Ihla plans to attend the University of Florida in next fall, major in history, and later become an attorney. She is an active volunteer through St. Anastasia Church, at local nursing homes, and with the Pilot Club. Ihla is also a recent recipient of the Advanced Placement Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher.

"Recognition of high-achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation," commented a spokesperson for National Merit Scholarship Program. "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 our country. We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of academic success."