Heiser, Holt honored by NMSC

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has recognized Wellington High school senior Laura Heiser as a commended student. She placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2010 competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

"Recognition of high-achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation," commented a spokesperson for NMSC. "As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named commended students represent some of the most academically talented students in our country. We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of success."

Wellington senior Lauren Holt was named an outstanding participant in the National Achievement Scholarship program, conducted by the NMSC. This program was established to honor black American high school students. Her score was among the top three percent of more than 160,000 black Americans who requested entry to the 2010 National Achievement program. To recognize Holt's potential for college success, her name will be included in a roster of outstanding participants being referred to about 1,500 U.S. college and universities.

Both students will be honored by the Wellington school board at a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. at Wellington High School.