National Merit Finalists Announced

 

Five Finalists from Abilene ISD

 

Caitlin West is the daughter of Riley and Patricia West.  This Cooper High student plans to attend college and become a reconstructive plastic surgeon. She is in band, tennis, UIL academic competition, National Honor Society, Classical Chorus of Abilene and serves as a youth leader in her church. She received the Rensselaer Medal for Achievement in Math and Science.

Merit semi-finalist
Merit_semi-finalist

Sterling Beard is the son of Rusty and Jane Beard.  He attends Abilene High and plans to possibly major in history and English. He is a starting offensive lineman for the Eagles and has performed in AHS musicals and at AISD convocations. He is in the Pure Gold Select Vocal Ensemble, Spanish Honor Society and is NHS president. He received the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Excellence Award, is an Eagle Scout and attends University Church of Christ.

Michael Beckhamis the son of John and Carolyn Beckham. He has been elected class president all four years of his AHS career. As a member of the Eagle soccer team, he earned all-district and Defensive Most Valuable Player honors. He received the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Excellence Award and the Hugh O'Brien Leadership Award. He is a leader for eighth-grade boys at Beltway Park Baptist Church, an Eagle Scout, on the United Way Youth Council and volunteers for the Abilene Education Foundation. He plans to attend college and major in science, philosophy and/or law.

Merit semifinalist
Merit semifinalist

Ryan Phipps is the son of Nick and Denise Phipps. An Abilene High student, he is a member of the NHS, Spanish Honor Society, United Way Youth Council and Student Council. He is an AP Scholar. He plays in the honor band and jazz band and is a four-time All Star Technician for the UIL one-act play contest. He has been involved with Southern Hills and Highland churches. He wants to be a doctor in New York City.

Bryan Stephenson is the son of Bryan and Stephanie Stephenson. He has been a Abilene High class officer for three years, is a member of Student Council, NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Chemistry Club and is co-founder of the Astronomy Club. He has lettered in basketball, track and cross country and volunteers for the Abilene Philharmonic. He plans to pursue a degree in business or the sciences.

Merit semifinalist

 

 

 

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