Epic Charter Schools today announced five of its students have been named finalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. Audrey Bewley of Oklahoma City, Grayson Hollingsworth of Tuttle, Emma Lansford of Norman, Nora G. Pate of Sand Springs and Audrey Steffey of Stillwater will join their more than 15,000 fellow finalists in competing for 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million.
To become a finalist, each semifinalist and a school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership ability, employment, and honors and awards received. Complete qualification details can be found here.
“These incredibly bright, focused and dedicated students represent the top 1% of test-takers in the nation,” said Epic Superintendent Bart Banfield. “They have made their families, their school and me so very proud.”
The five are now eligible for three types of National Merit Scholarships. Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 scholarships. There are approximately 770 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships available and sponsored by some 130 corporations and businesses that meet their specific criteria. Further, around 150 colleges and universities are expected to fund some 3,600 college-sponsored Merit Scholarships for finalists who attend their institutions.
In addition to being a National Merit finalist, Bewley holds the added distinction of being the first Epic student to become an Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic All-State winner. Since its inception in 1987, the highly prestigious honor has been bestowed on fewer than 4,000 students. Bewley is among 100 students from 62 school districts statewide this year to be named. Each winner receives a $1,500 award, an honor cord and a medallion.
“Audrey’s list of accomplishments is as extensive as her commitment to academic excellence,” Banfield said, noting that this year’s Academic All-State winners scored an average of 33 on the ACT, with 12 scoring a perfect score of 36. “Both she and Epic now join a very elite group and I personally congratulate her on this formidable achievement.”