Thirteen St. Tammany Parish Public School students representing four high schools were named 2023 National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
These students, who are ranked among the highest performing high school students in the state and the top one percent in the nation, will compete for prestigious National Merit Scholarships later this school year.
This year's semifinalists are Mason Estrada of Covington High; Daniel Crossland, Hayley Pettus, and Matthew Robert of Fontainebleau High; Amelia Barilleaux, Sophia Bulovas, Phoebe Endriss, Riley Lenahan, Jake Tirado, and Matthew Truehart of Mandeville High; and Ryan Bennett, Dylan Nguyen, Taylor Vander of Northshore High.
In the last twelve years, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation has recognized 159 STPPS students as National Merit Semifinalists.
"I am extremely proud of these thirteen students for reaching this accomplishment after all of their hard work and dedication," said Superintendent Frank Jabbia. "I am excited to have these successful students represent our district."
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. Over 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
Mason Estrada of Covington High plans to study Aerospace Engineering at either Georgia Tech or MIT and is a member of the CHS Football and Baseball teams.
Daniel Crossland of Fontainebleau High is considering furthering his studies at Emory University. He plays piano and earned eight hours of college credit during junior year.
Matthew Robert of Fontainebleau High plans to major in chemical or nuclear engineering. He plays trombone in the FHS Jazz Band and earned nine hours of college credit his junior year.
Hayley Pettus of Fontainebleau High plans to major in animal science and become a veterinarian.
She is an FHS powerlifter, plays piano, and is currently interning at a local veterinarian hospital.
Mandeville High's Amelia Barilleaux plans to major in biology.
Mandeville High's Sophia Bulovas wants to study finance in preparation for a corporate law career.
Mandeville High's Phoebe Endriss plans to major in computer science.
Mandeville High's Riley Lenahan will study biochemistry when she heads to college.
Mandeville High's Jake Tirado plans to study biology to prepare for his future career as a doctor.
Mandeville High's Matthew Truehart plans to study finance.
Ryan Bennett of Northshore High plans to major in Political Science with a focus on Pre-Law and is considering Harvard, Columbia, and Tulane. He plans to be a defense attorney and is currently president of the Northshore High Band.
Dylan Nguyen of Northshore High is the Beta Club Manager and plays piano. He plans to major in Neuroscience at Columbia.
Taylor Vander of Northshore High plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a PhD in Data Science. She currently has a 4.61 GPA and scored a 36 on the ACT.
She is President of the National Honor Society, Governor of the Student Ambassadors Program and President and Founder of the NMHS Habitat for Humanity Club.
