Logan named National Merit Semifinalist

Posted on: Sep 22, 2021

Logan named National Merit Semifinalist


Fewer than 1% of high school seniors in the United States have managed to become National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists, but one of those outstanding students hails from Delano High School.

Campbell Logan is among 16,000 national semifinalists who qualified for the distinction through exceptional performance in the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. 

Three more DHS students were named Commended Students by finishing in the top 50,000 students nationally on the same test. They are Katherine Baker, Jaxon Duberstein and Ashton Esco.

Semifinalist
For Logan, Delano’s third semifinalist in the past five years, the distinction is the culmination of sustained effort.

“I was pretty surprised, but I was really happy because it was something that I had been wanting for a couple of years,” said Logan of her reaction to finding out about the honor. “Seeing all that hard work pay off was really rewarding.”

DHS Principal Barry Voight said the National Merit recognition was well-earned.

“It is a big deal. Ms. Campbell should be extremely proud of herself,” he said. “I know all of us here at Delano Schools are really proud of her. She’s a very impressive young lady when you look at her accomplishments, both academically and in the extra-curricular areas.”

In order to become a finalist, Logan must now submit a detailed scholarship application including information about her academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership, employment, honors and awards. She must also write an essay, receive an endorsement and recommendation from the high school, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm her performance on the qualifying test.

About 15,000 semifinalists are expected to complete those steps to become finalists. A total of 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $31 million will be awarded next spring. Those who receive scholarships will be selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

High school and beyond
While the National Merit recognition is certainly a peak moment in her academic career, Logan said other moments have also been memorable.

“Becoming a cross country captain and just seeing (Advanced Placement test) scores reflect the work I’ve put into it has been pretty rewarding,” she said.

Logan’s favorite subjects in school are chemistry, biology and Spanish. 

“I like how once you learn it you can kind of see it everywhere in your life,” Logan said of the scientific subjects. “And I like that emphasis on critical thinking. They can’t teach you what to think, but they can teach you how to think more critically about the world.”

Spanish is also a favorite because learning a foreign language helps broaden a student’s horizons.

“I really enjoy when you can finally form a sentence for the first time or recognize words that you see,” said Logan. “It’s just a great feeling. And it also opens up a lot more opportunities as far as learning about other cultures.”

DHS teachers who Logan said have been particularly influential include John Fitzer in Spanish because of his ability to challenge students at their individual level, and Karen Hohenstein in science because of her organizational skills.

Organization is key, because Logan keeps a busy schedule. She runs cross country and track, and also competes academically in Math League and Science Olympiad. She is a member of the school’s National Honor Society chapter, plays piano, and is involved with her church youth group. How does she manage to do so well in the classroom in the midst of those various endeavors? 

“Time management is really important,” she said. “I just try to be thorough. Everything I do I like to do thoroughly and give 100%. It’s important to work hard even when you’re tired.”

Spoken like a true distance runner - but that mindset is helpful in all areas of life. Logan said that taking a long view of things helps keep her various obligations in perspective.

“You’re only in high school for four years, so I would say that makes it easier to just give it my all and work hard throughout those years to make the most of it,” she said.

Beyond high school Logan plans to study chemical engineering at a college yet-to-be-determined, and perhaps pursue a career in that field or medicine.

“Campbell is definitely somebody who is self-motivated and who challenges herself to achieve at the highest levels,” said Voight. “Those things obviously benefit her now, and will continue to benefit her in the future.”

Logan is the daughter of Scott and Sarah Logan of Loretto.
 

Post Categories: High School