JSHS National Merit Semi-Finalists

Special Spartan Accomplishment: National Merit Semi-Finalists
Posted on 11/03/2021
Every Fall, high school juniors at Wyomissing Area and nearly four million students nationwide take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test), as a practice testing experience in preparation for taking the SAT. Students taking the exam are automatically placed in the running for the National Merit Scholarship which is both an academic honor and college scholarship. Wyomissing Area is proud to have four students nationally recognized as being among the highest scoring 1.25% of test takers who are currently semi-finalists for the National Merit Scholarship and waiting for the finalists to be announced. We wish the following exceptional students luck with earning the National Merit Scholarship and applaud them for the recognition they have already received. We recognize their academic achievement, dedication, and tremendous efforts throughout their high school career. 

Yuan Yu Chen’s coursework this year is dominated by the rigorous AP course offerings at the Jr./Sr. High School. Additionally, she is a member of multiple academically challenging clubs including Math Team, Science Olympiad, and Spanish Club. Outside of the classroom, Yuan Yu enjoys crocheting, reading true crime novels, making 3-D pop-up cards, and playing the violin. She enjoys volunteering at the local hospital and her plans after high school include attending college to study biochemistry where she is considering the pre-medicine track. 

Elizabeth Harenza serves as the President of the WAEF Student Committee, Vice President of the High School Student Council, is a Chair on the Mini-THON Committee, and an active member of the Service Club, Environmental Club, and Ski Club. Along with her numerous leadership roles, Elizabeth also runs mid-distance events on the winter and spring track teams. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to classic rock music with her dad, and doing many outdoor activities - tennis, hiking, paddle boarding, skiing. After graduation, Elizabeth plans to attend a four-year university where she will study business with a focus on social justice.  How corporate activity can ignite positive change in areas of climate change, inclusivity, and employee mental health and well-being will be her academic focus. 

Ananya Rai is very involved in extracurricular activities at Wyomissing Area and actively participates as a member of the Spanish Club, Environmental Club, Science Olympiad, and her favorite club—Dance Club. She also holds multiple leadership positions as the doubles’ captain on the girls varsity tennis team and the vice president of the Spanish National Honor Society. Ananya plans to study economics and philosophy at a four-year institution after high school graduation. 

Brooke Schaeffer also has a very rigorous academic schedule that challenges her in the classroom. When she is not focused on academics, you can find Brooke reading, playing the guitar or playing piano. Brooke participates as a member of the Aevidum Club, Math Team, math tutoring, and Indoor and Outdoor Track. She is currently planning to attend a post-secondary institution to major in biomedical engineering or another related field. 

In addition to recognizing semi-finalists for the National Merit Scholarship, the organization highlights additional students as Commended Scholars. This year, senior Olivia Fisher received this recognition. Olivia is a member of the Cross Country Team and Chess Club at Wyomissing Area and participates as a member of the Communications Internship Program as a co-author of the Spartan Scoop. After graduation Olivia plans to attend college to pursue a career in marketing management. 

Congratulations to all of our exceptional semi-finalists and commended scholars of the National Merit Scholarships.