The National Merit is a great accomplishment for a student to achieve. Students can get recognized and get a scholarship from this competition. The National Merit is an academic competition where students can earn scholarships and recognition for their academic ability.
There are around 34,000 Commended students in our nation. 2 Students who attend Chesterton High School were named as National Merit commended students. These two students that CHS has commended for their academic ability, are David McGrogan and Nicolas Van Wagner. CHS was proud to announce that 4 seniors attending Chesterton High School were announced as part of the 16,000, 2024 National Merit Semifinalists. These students are Jai Barath, Matthew Haubold, Adrian Dooley, and Payton Whalen. Earning the semifinalist title takes a lot of commitment and dedication from a student.
“It is all about the hard work, [Both] studying and taking the hours in,” explained Barath.
Jai is a tennis player. His parents are James and Phoung Barath. They live in Chesterton, Indiana. Jai’s plan is to go to Notre Dame, Purdue, or Stanford, and to study computer science.
Matthew Haubold is a part of Trojan guard, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Matthew is a Camp Invention Leadership Intern, as well as The Business. Matthew’s parents are Jeremy and Jennifer Haubold. They live in Valparaiso, Indiana. He wants to attend Indiana University, and study pre-med, biochemistry.
Adrian Dooley is a part of Trojan Guard, Advanced Orchestra, Quiz Bowl, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, and Boy Scouts. Adrian’s parents are Joseph and Lesley Dooley. They live in Westville, Indiana. He wants to study computer science.
Payton Whalen is a part of Show Choir, Debate, Tennis, National Honors Society, as well as Camerata. Payton’s parents are Tim and Katie Whalen, and they live in Chesterton, Indiana. All of these students are being recognized for their academic achievements, these students are motivated, committed and well deserving of this title!
