By Holtville High School News Class
Photos provided by Holtville High School Yearbook Staff
Top Photo: From left are Holtville High Principal Kyle Futral, Richard Burleson, Jr. and Assistant Principal Christy Wright.
Holtville High School has a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. RIchard “Richie” Burleson, Jr. has moved through the prestigious scholarship process to join the top 1% of high school seniors in the country. The scholarship process began in his junior year when he sat for the PSAT which is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Approximately 16,000 students were announced as semifinalists in September, and Richie is the only one in the Deatsville area to be selected. On discovering this information, Richie said “I feel honored, happy, and excited for the possibilities that being a semifinalist brings. I also feel grateful to the family, teachers and school faculty who helped me along the way. I consider myself to be fortunate, and I was surprised when I heard no one else in the area was selected.”
The rigorous application process includes the students’ academic record, demonstration of leadership, participation in school and community activities, employment, honors, and awards. Additionally, Richie will have to get the recommendation of school officials and submit an essay. His ACT or SAT scores must also be high enough to confirm her PSAT scores.
Richie is involved in many extracurricular activities, volunteer groups, and is an Eagle Scout. It is very important to be a well-rounded student, and Richie shows perseverance through everything he does. Richie’s advice to underclassmen is to “try different extracurriculars and classes to explore your interests. Try a technical class if you have time. If you plan on attending college, focus on the ACT and maybe try Dual Enrollment or AP classes to earn some college credit.”
“Richie is among the brightest and best young men I’ve seen during my time in education. He is not only brilliant, but also kind, respectful, and hard working. It has been a pleasure to watch many of his ambitions be realized, and I am very proud to see him earn this honor as a National Merit Semifinalist,” says Holtville High School Principal Kyle Futral.
Richie not only is a Semifinalist, he is also a leader at the school in the band and theater. Richie scored a perfect score on the ACT and was also awarded the prestigious level of Eagle Scout this summer. Richie personifies what Holtville High School promotes to all students – “Every student empowered, every student succeeds.”
Next April through July 2022, approximately 7,500 finalists for the $30 million National Merit Scholarship will be announced. Three types of scholarships will be offered; approximately 2,500 National Merit worth $2,500, approximately 1,000 corporate sponsored Merit Scholarships and approximately 4,000 scholarships awarded by 4,000 colleges for Finalists who attend their school.
While enjoying his Senior year, Richie is deciding on where to attend school and is breaking down his list of colleges to attend. “My college dream list includes Auburn, Alabama, Georgia Tech, and MIT. My planned major is mechanical engineering, but I am also interested in aerospace engineering and business administration.”
We wish Richie the best of luck! GO BULLDOGS!
