GOODSON… Evergreen Board Member Nora Kiefer stands with Jacob Goodson after receiving a commendation from the board of education. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
By: Jacob Kessler
Jacob Goodson, a senior at Evergreen High School, has been named a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
To become a finalist, Goodson had to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement by scoring in the top 1% on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
This is a significant achievement, as the PSAT/NMSQT is taken by approximately 3.5 million high school students each year.
To advance to the finalist level, Goodson had to meet additional requirements, including a strong academic record, be endorsed by Evergreen High School, earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm his PSAT/NMSQT performance, and complete a detailed application.
Now as a National Merit Finalist, Goodson is eligible to compete for specific National Merit Scholarships sponsored by corporations, foundations, and universities.
“We are extremely proud of Jacob for being named a National Merit Finalist.,” said Brady Ruffer, Evergreen High School principal.”
“”This is a significant accomplishment that can open a variety of academic and career opportunities,” he added.
In addition to being a National Merit Finalist, Goodson has been named the valedictorian of Evergreen’s Class of 2023.
He is a member of the EHS Red Cross Club and National Honor Society, earned an Outstanding Citizen Award at Buckeye Boys State, and is the trombone section leader for the Evergreen Band.
As captain of the EHS Quiz Team and leading league scorer, Goodson helped Evergreen win their second consecutive Northern Buckeye Academic League (NBAL) title.
At the Small State Quiz Bowl Tournament, Goodson was named First Team All-Ohio.
This fall, Goodson will attend The Ohio State University and major in biology. He has been accepted into OSU’s University Honors Program.
He is the recipient of an OSU Maximus Scholarship and the Masons of Ohio Scholarship. He is the son of Chris and Lisa Goodson.
During the Evergreen Board of Education meeting held on Monday, May 15th, school board member Nora Kiefer read the following statement regarding Jacob Goodson.
The Evergreen Board of Education is proud to present Jacob Goodson with a commendation for being named a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
This means he has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement by scoring in the top 1% on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
This is a significant achievement, as the PSAT/MSQT is taken by approximately 3.5 million high school students each year. Congratulations Jacob on your exceptional scholastic achievements!
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com