Senior receives National Merit Special Scholarship

Newton — Kelsey Hoffman, a senior at Newton High School, has been announced the recipient of a special scholarship, awarded through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Every year, some 1,500 National Merit Program participants, who are outstanding but not finalists, are awarded Special Scholarships provided by corporations and business organizations for students who meet the sponsor’s criteria. To be considered for a special scholarship, students must meet the sponsor’s criteria and entry requirements of the National Merit Scholarship Program. They also must submit an entry form to the sponsor organization. Subsequently, the committee contacts a pool of high-scoring candidates through their respective high schools. These students and their school officials submit detailed scholarship applications. A committee of professional staff evaluates information about candidates’ abilities, skills, and accomplishments and chooses winners of the sponsor’s Special Scholarships. These scholarships may either be renewable for four years of undergraduate study or one-time awards. Kelsey is the recipient of the Avis Budget Group Scholarship.