Three CCSD Seniors Earn National Merit Scholarships!

Three Cherokee County School District graduating seniors have earned the prestigious 2023 National Merit Scholarship!

Kylie Buchanan of Creekview High School, Braden Flournoy of Cherokee High School and Ty Phillips of Etowah High School today were among the top 2,500 seniors in the U.S. awarded the $2,500 scholarship by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  

“Earning a National Merit scholarship honors a lifetime dedication to learning, to leading in your school and to volunteering in your school and community.  We’re so proud of each of these students for achieving this award,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “Congratulations to you and to your family, teachers and coaches and all who have supported your learning and success.  We wish you the best as you advance to university and pursue your career path.”

Kylie will be attending the University of Alabama and plans to pursue a career in oncology.  Braden is headed to Georgia Tech to study computer science for a planned career in that field.  Ty has chosen medicine as his career path and will attend the University of Georgia.

They and their fellow Merit Scholar designees were selected from more than 15,000 outstanding finalists who made it through the initial rigorous selection process for the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.  

Merit Scholars are selected based on their accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.  The selection committee is made up of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who reviewed records submitted by finalists and their high schools including difficulty of courses and grades earned, college-entrance exam scores, contributions and leadership in school and community activities, an essay written by the finalist and a recommendation written by a high school official.

They and CCSD’s two other National Merit Finalists, Griffen Bon of Cherokee High School and Paige L. Falcomata of Sequoyah High School, next will be considered for college-sponsored National Merit scholarships, which will be announced this spring and summer.
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