5/11/2023 -- Four Parkway students were awarded a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship. The scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the National Merit Scholarship program.

National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.

The Parkway students are:

Central High
Gaayathri Binoj
Probable career field: Medicine

West High
Joseph Britt III
Probable career field: Computer Science

Mitchell Harms
Probable career field: Mechanical Engineering

Nathan Zhou
Probable career field: Computer Science

The scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors. The selection of winners is based on academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay; and a recommendation from a high school official.

Additional winners of the college-sponsored Merit Scholarships will be announced in June and July.