Three named National Merit Commended Students

Posted on: Sep 23, 2021

Three named National Merit Commended Students


Three Delano High School students have been named Commended Students by finishing in the top 50,000 students nationally on the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They are Katherine Baker, Jaxon Duberstein and Ashton Esco.

The top 50,000 scorers nationally are divided into 34,000 Commended Students and 16,000 semifinalists in the competition for National Merit scholarships. DHS senior Campbell Logan was a semifinalist (see separate article). While in rare company, Commended Students do not move forward in the scholarship competition.

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” said a statement from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

Delano High School Principal Barry Voight agreed.

“Ashton, Jaxon and Katherine have just added to the strong academic tradition at DHS,” he said. “Their efforts toward excellence for themselves will pay off significantly in their futures.”

Baker is the daughter of Joe and Sarah Baker of Loretto, Duberstein is the son of Todd and Sue Duberstein of Loretto, and Esco is the son of Adam and Anissa Esco of Delano.

Q&A with Delano’s Commended Students
1. What is your reaction to being named a Commended Student?

Baker: I was happy to hear I was a Commended Student, I hadn’t expected it. I’m glad to have another accomplishment to put on my college applications.
Duberstein: I am surprised because I did not think I did well enough for that. I am happy that I was able to get some recognition, and it definitely makes me want to continue to do well in school.
Esco: I am surprised.

2. What are your favorite classes in school and why?
Baker: I like all of my CIS classes because they have a lot of different topics, are taught in depth, and help prepare me for college.
Duberstein: Math classes have always been my strongest and favorite classes. I have always been able to understand math. I like most of my current classes. The first two are engineering and the third is physics. These allow me to take my understanding of math and apply it to real world or more interesting scenarios.
Esco: Currently, I really like psychology, as I find it interesting.

3. What are your keys to academic success?
Baker: My keys to academic success are to work hard and care about what you’re doing. Challenge yourself and ask for help when you need it.
Duberstein: I believe that not everyone needs to follow the same formula to do well in school. I have been able to get good grades by taking notes and making sure I understand the in-class material. If I do not understand it, I make sure to take the time to figure it out so I do not get behind. My parents have always been pushing me to get good grades. They have made me set a high standard for myself. It drives me to do the best I can.
Esco: None.

4. What activities and clubs are you involved with?
Baker: I am involved in gymnastics, golf, and National Honor Society. 
Duberstein: I am currently involved in robotics. This program has also help with my academics and my drive. It not only allows me to apply what I learn in a real, fun way, it has helped open my eyes to the future. It makes me think of why I need to do well in school and what I should strive for.
Esco: Lacrosse, football, Magic Club.

5. Future plans (college, major etc.)?
Baker: I’m undecided on what I’m studying and where but I plan to attend a four-year college next fall. 
Duberstein: I plan to go on to college to be a mechanical engineer. It will most likely be at University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have not fully decided on that, however. Another possible future path would be to become a lawyer. That would be farther down the line though.
Esco: Go to a four-year school for mechanical or petroleum engineering.
 

Post Categories: High School