Melody Wiklund and Matthew Devine
Matthew DeVane and Melody Wiklund , Seniors at Nipmuc Regional High School, have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as national semi-finalists. Matthew and Melody are two of 16,000 students out of 1.4 million students who participated in the PSAT. By achieving in the top 1% of all test takers, they will have the chance to compete for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million to be offered next spring.
Both Matthew and Melody credit their experience at Nipmuc Regional High School as contributing to their success on the PSAT. Melody said, ” I mostly prepared by paying attention in class, and my sister told me not to freak out, which was good advice.” Matthew said, “ Preparing for the test was not the thing that made me do as well as I did. Sure, practice tests helped get me familiar with the format and allowed me to review any topics I was unsure on. But more important was working hard throughout my time in school to learn and understand, not cramming to pass a test.”
“This award opens up doors that might otherwise be closed to me,” said Matthew.
Nipmuc Regional High School Principal John Clements said, “I’m excited that they are being recognized for this awesome accomplishment. It’s so impressive to know that they scored in the top 1% out of more than 1.4 million test takers. Their success with the PSAT demonstrates how hard they have worked and how much potential they have. I know they will be applying to some great schools; being recognized as National Merit Semi-finalists will certainly open some doors for them.”
Melody plans on attending college for Liberal Arts; History, English, or Philosophy and Matthew plans to pursuing an degree in engineering.
UPTON DAILY 