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Greenwich Academy senior Danielle Martin said she was shocked by the news that she is a semifinalist for the 47th annual Achievement Scholarship competition, which is part of the National Achievement Scholarship Program.
"I did not remember that I had even allowed the program to see my scores," Martin said. "After the initial shock, I was really honored, especially after I realized that few students receive this honor."
Martin was chosen from more than 160,000 high school juniors who requested consideration in the 2011 program when they took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in 2009. The program, conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corp., recognizes academically talented black American high school seniors and provides scholarships.
"I had not heard about the scholarship before, but thought there was no harm in allowing them to see my scores," she said. "I though 'Why not?' and I was not expecting anything to come of it."
Martin has maintained high grades at GA, is a member of the Dance Corps and serves as president of Students of Color Organized to Represent Equality. "I truly believe that with hard work and determination, you can always be academically successful," she said. And as a GA Ambassador, Martin connects with prospective students and their families, telling them about the life and academics at the school.
Martin said that receiving the award would be a great motivation to keep working hard and stay active outside of school.
"It would be great proof that hard work does lead to success," she said. "I would also feel very honored to receive the award because I am competing with such an intelligent group of kids."
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