Several APS Seniors Earn National Merit Scholarships

Posted May 13, 2024, 9:40 AM. Updated June 29, 2024, 1:57 PM.

Honor given to those with the 'strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.'

Five seniors from Albuquerque Public Schools have won National Merit Scholarships.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the winners in a news release last week. They were chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists, and each will receive a $2,500 scholarship.

The winning APS seniors are:

Benjamin C. Bandy from Next Gen Academy
Iris M. Eisenman from Eldorado High School
Shayan N. Tarefder from La Cueva High School
Ariana C. Thiel-Hadjilambrinos from La Cueva
And Aileen A. Ukwuoma from Early College Academy

“National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies,” the organization said. “The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.”