Seniors Kyle McGovern and Drew Straub have earned status of Commended Scholars, as recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
In late September, more than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT received Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. Commended Students are named based on a nationally applied Selection Index score that may vary from year to year and is typically below the level required for participants to be named Semifinalists in their respective states. Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some of these students do become candidates for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses. There were approximately 1,000 Commended Scholars in the State of Ohio this year.
“I’m pleased that Kyle and Drew have been recognized by National Merit Scholarship Corp.,” said Principal Jamie Hogue, Independence High School. “It is a testament to their diligence, as well as their intelligence. More importantly, Kyle and Drew are great students that will leave with us a legacy of kindness and acceptance, as well as academic achievement and hard work.”
Kyle McGovern participates on the varsity soccer, cross country, swim and track teams. He is also a member of Actively Caring For People (AC4P), a positive school climate initiative, the Board Game Club, National Honor Society, M3, Music Honor Society, Bio Society, and Campus Life. He plans to attend college in the hopes of studying Environmental Science and Business.
Drew Straub participates in varsity soccer and track. He is a member of the Blue Devil Marching Band, as well as Actively Caring For People (AC4P), Bio Society, Board Game Club, Mock Trial, and Academic Challenge. Drew is also an Eagle Scout. He plans on attending a four-year university to study mechanical engineering.
Left to right Kyle McGovern and Andrew Straub