2 local students named National Merit semifinalists

HURON — Two local high school seniors are among the brightest in Ohio and the nation. The National Merit Scholarship Corp. recently announced Huron High School's Amber Vance and Vermilion High School's Patrick Anders are two of about 16,000 semifinalists in this year's National Merit scholarship program. Anders and Vance, who are high school seniors, are now competing for 7,600 National Merit scholarships worth more than $30 million being offered next spring. More than 90% of semifinalists are expected to become finalists come February, and winners will be announced April through July next year. To be eligible to become semifinalists, both Vance and Anders took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test last year as juniors. They were among the highest scorers in Ohio on the PSAT and represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. Merit scholars are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference, according to the program's website. Before last year, Anders took the PSAT every year from grades 7-10. "When I heard that I was a semifinalist, I was relieved that my hard work had paid off," Anders said. "I'd been studying for the PSAT for a while, and I knew that I could be a semifinalist, but I knew that anything can happen on the day of the test. I walked out of the testing room feeling confident in myself and my abilities, and thankfully I scored high enough to earn this honor." Vance said Huron High School art teacher Patty Ryan shared the news during her class. "I was surprised, but I was really happy," Vance said. "A lot of people have congratulated me and I'm very thankful." At Vermilion High School, Anders plays golf, tennis and swims; competes in speech and debate and Firelands Challenge; and is involved in Model United Nations, theater, band, student council, Teen Leadership Corps, Big Buddies, Link Crew, Principal's Advisory Council and National Honor Society. He's also an Eagle Scout. Vance regularly participates in her youth group at The Chapel, volunteers at the Huron Public Library and has worked at Cedar Point the past four summers. She credits teachers she's had at Huron Schools, her family and God for her academic success. "In general, all of my teachers have been very helpful," Vance said. "My guidance counselor Mary James has also helped me figure this (the National Merit competition) out." Anders credits his parents, Molly and Terry Anders, for "instilling within me a drive to work hard and to try my best in everything that I do." "They taught me to be confident in whatever I was doing, whether that be at practice or at a game, and I am extremely grateful for that," he said. "I'd also like to thank all of my teachers throughout the years at St. Mary School, Sailorway Middle School and Vermilion High School, especially Mrs. (Jordan) Fahr, my high school guidance counselor who is helping me with this process, for teaching me how to become stronger in my academic abilities and how to use that to help others along the way." Anders said he enjoys studying history, and two of Vance's favorite subjects are Spanish and English. Both students share a love for math. In fact, Vance is taking calculus and loving it. "(For me), math makes sense and you can work your way towards a right answer," Anders said. "I also like history because there are so many stories out there waiting to be told, and I want to hear as many as I can." Anders and Vance are interested in careers rooted in math and science after they graduate high school. Anders wants to attend the University of Notre Dame and double major in neuroscience and medieval studies. "I attended their Summer Scholars program on campus this summer for neuroscience and greatly enjoyed it, and I explored their medieval institute in their library, which was truly fascinating," Anders said. Vance wants to study mechanical engineering, but isn't sure which Ohio college or university she'll attend. Both students shared advice for success to their peers. "I would like to tell younger students that you can do great things if you believe in yourself and you look towards others for help along the way," Anders said. "Especially with the PSAT, the most important skill you can learn is to be active and try when you are faced with a problem. "If you can identify what they are asking you to do, you have already completed step one. Answers never come when you are sitting there waiting for them, they come when you are actively doing work to piece together what you know to find what they are looking for. Ask questions to those around you as well, as they can help direct you towards better ways to solve problems." Vance also took the PSAT as a sophomore, which "helped me get used to the format and testing environment for my junior year." She shared additional wisdom that's essential at any age. "Getting a good night's sleep is important, because you can do a lot of studying, but if you don't remember what you studied it won't help you that much," she said. "Getting enough sleep will help you wake up refreshed." Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood