Wasilla student named Merit Scholar semifinalist

WASILLA — A career in law or medicine is one step closer for a Wasilla student.

Wasilla High School senior Dylan Spargo recently found out he is a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

For Spargo, though, it all comes as a shock.

“I have always been a pretty good student, but I had not expected the nomination to semifinalist. I am fairly surprised,” he said.

The National Merit Scholarship is awarded every year to 8,200 students. The total scholarships, worth about $36 million, are underwritten by 500 private institutions and personal donations, according to the National Merit Scholarship website.

Although Spargo has been nominated as semifinalist, he must pass another round of qualifications to be selected as a finalist and be accepted for the scholarship.

“A while ago, I had to fill out an application to become a finalist, have a letter of recommendation and write a personal essay as to why I should be nominated,” Spargo said.

The requirements for becoming a finalist are in addition to having some of the most competitive scores and grades in the country.

“Of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQTSelection Index scores (critical reading plus mathematics plus writing skills scores) qualify for recognition,” the National Merit Scholarship website states.

From the original 50,000 students selected, the scholarship winners — only 8,200 students — must pass two rounds of eliminations in which they are judged on grade point averages, national test scores and extracurricular activities.

Spargo has extracurricular activities in bunches. He is a Boy Scout, an active participant in his church, swims for Wasilla High School, works on the family’s commercial fishing boat and even had the lead role in his school’s play “Godspell.”

“I played Jesus Christ, which was a little weird, but I really enjoyed the experience,” Spargo said. “It definitely made me more comfortable in front of a group of people.”

Spargo expects to find out this spring if he is selected as a finalist. He said he is not sure which college he will attend, but will probably study medicine or law wherever he goes.

Contact Lanier Hutcheson at lanier.hutcheson@frontiersman.com or 352-2265.