Huron student a National Merit finalist

HURON — A local high school student recently learned he's a National Merit Scholarship finalist. Walker Blevins, a senior at Huron High School, earned the status by scoring remarkably high on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test. Blevins and Kamryn Ohly of Perkins High School represent less than 1% of all high school seniors in the United States as National Merit finalists. Both are among 5,000 students eligible to receive National Merit scholarships. After Blevins learned he was a National Merit semifinalist, he had a "pretty good feeling" he would advance in the competition and be named a finalist. He learned that feeling was accurate through a text from his father, Roger, who teaches science at Huron High School. Blevins' father heard the news from Huron High School principal Tim Lamb. Blevins credits his parents for his academic success. "They've always encouraged me to be inquisitive and have provided me countless opportunities to learn," he said. He also credits school administrators for providing academic challenges and fostering a "positive learning environment." Following graduation, Blevins plans to attend Ohio State University or Miami University. He has a variety of academic interests but intends to pursue a career in engineering or medicine. In addition to his academics, Blevins is a member of Teen Leadership Corps. and was captain of Huron's boys soccer team. He also participates in the National Honor Society and Firelands Challenge.