2 Heights High Students Named National Merit Finalists

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Two Heights High students are now National Merit Scholarship Finalists.

Seniors Maple Buescher and Xavier Routh were named finalists on Monday. They earned the award based on their performances on the PSAT. They were first named semifinalists in September. Based on their scores, they can compete for college scholarships.

More than 1.5 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program annually. Only 16,000 students become semifinalists. Approximately 15,000 students become finalists. Scholarship winners will be announced in March.

"Being named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist is a tremendous achievement. I'm proud of Maple and Xavier and excited to see all that they continue to accomplish," said Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby.

Meet the Finalists

Maple is a violinist in the Heights High Symphony and a varsity soccer player. They plan on attending college next year. Their favorite subjects are English and math.

"I would tell rising seniors to relax and take their senior year one step at a time: seniors are often overwhelmed with a barrage of information, and keeping priorities organized will go a long way towards keeping you sane!" Maple said.

Xavier is a member of marching band and the Environmental Club and plays golf and tennis. Their favorite subjects are math and history.

After graduating Heights High, they plan on attending college and studying computer engineering. Xavier hasn't decided which college they will attend.

"My best advice for a rising senior is to continue to challenge yourself with classes you are interested in up until graduation. If you plan to go to college, start working on your essays early," Xavier said.