Annual Report 2013 (National Merit)

National Merit Scholarship Corporation2012–13 Annual Report

Beyond AcAdemic excellence

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RICHARD L. KEYSER, Chairman*Chairman EmeritusW.W. Grainger, Inc.

DIANA M. SCHMELZER, Vice Chairman*Former PrincipalUniversity High School Irvine, California

DEBORAH V. TRASKELL, Vice Chairman*Former Executive Vice PresidentState Farm Insurance Companies

LORI BETTISON-VARGAPresidentScripps College

FRANK J. DELLAQUILAExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerEmerson Electric Co.

JAMES R. DONNELLEY*Former Vice ChairmanR. R. Donnelley & Sons Company

MARK C. DZIATCZAKPrincipalTroy High SchoolTroy, Michigan

GREGORY L. GEOFFROYFormer PresidentIowa State University

MARK A. HAUGHTPrincipalAltus High SchoolAltus, Oklahoma

EDWIN S. HEDGEPETHFormer Director of Secondary InstructionKnox County SchoolsKnoxville, Tennessee

MICHAEL J. HEILMANAssistant Superintendent for Secondary EducationBismarck Public SchoolsBismarck, North Dakota

JOHN C. HITTPresident University of Central Florida

MATTHEW P. HORVATHead of SchoolThe Overlake SchoolRedmond, Washington

MICHAEL G. JOHNSON*Chief Human Resources OfficerUPS

TIMOTHY E. McGUIRE*PresidentNational Merit Scholarship Corporation

BRIAN C. MITCHELLFormer PresidentBucknell University

CE QUANDTFormer PrincipalNorth Central High SchoolIndianapolis, Indiana

THOMAS J. QUINLAN III*President and Chief Executive OfficerR. R. Donnelley & Sons Company

SUE SLOANExecutive DirectorPPG Industries Foundation

THOMAS R. VOSSChairman of the Board,President and Chief Executive OfficerAmeren Corporation

ROBERT E. WITTChancellorThe University of Alabama System

JAMES H. WOOTEN, JR.Former Senior Vice President,General Counsel and SecretaryIllinois Tool Works Inc.

OFFIC ERS

TIMOTHY E. McGUIREPresident

JEFFREY Z. LITTLEExecutive Vice President

KAMILLA L. SPOEHRTreasurer

RICHARD L. SEVCIKSecretary

Executive Committee

President’s message · 2

Beyond Academic Excellence · 3

Highlights of the 2013 competitions · 20

About the Scholar class of 2013 · 21

National Merit® Scholarship Program

At a glance · 22

Scholarships · 24

Sponsors · 26

Colleges and universities enrolling 2013 Merit Scholar® awardees · 32

National Achievement® Scholarship Program

At a glance · 36

Scholarships · 38

Sponsors · 39

Colleges and universities enrolling 2013 Achievement Scholar® awardees · 40

Financial Report: June 1, 2012–May 31, 2013 · 43

National Merit Scholarship Corporation (nmsc) is a private, not-for-profit organi-zation that operates without government assistance. nmsc is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; grants and contributions to nmsc are deductible by the donor under Section 170 of the Code. All nmsc re-sources are committed to the conduct of its two annual competitions, the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Achievement Scholarship Program.

The corporate logo and the names National Merit, National Achievement, Merit Scholarship, Achievement Scholarship, Merit Scholar, and Achievement Scholar are federally registered service marks of nmsc. The corporation enforces its rights in these marks. psat/nmsqt is a registered trademark of nmsc and the College Board. sat and ap are registered trademarks of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of this publication. The registration and service mark symbols appear in this report only on initial use in each chapter for reasons of style and format.

October 31, 2013

Contents

2012–13 Annual Report2

President’s message

For 58 years, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (nmsc) has recognized and honored the academically talented students of the United States and encouraged the pursuit of intellectual excellence. As nmsc’s founding President, John M. Stalnaker, remarked in the 1961 Annual Report, “The program has become a pacesetter, an accepted standard of excellence, and a beacon to guide able students toward higher education.” nmsc continues to strive to identify the truly extraordinary—students who, in addition to achieving the highest grades and test scores, manage to distinguish themselves through remarkable character, leadership, innovation, and tenacity. In this report, we shed more light on the type of student who is ultimately chosen to receive a scholarship through nmsc.

The outstanding students who reach the Finalist level of nmsc’s scholarship competitions are all worthy of the title of Scholar, which makes the selection of scholarship winners a very detailed, contemplative, and arduous task. Since all Finalists have excellent grades in the highest-level course work available, it is often the student who possesses qualities beyond academic excellence—whether it is dedication to a chosen goal, drive to overcome significant challenges, or pursuit of a cause for the greater good—who is chosen to receive a National Merit, National Achievement, or Special Scholarship award.

The following pages contain profiles of Scholars who have excelled beyond traditional measures of academic accomplishment through pioneering scientific research, aid work in developing countries, and leadership within their communities. Also featured are statements made by several individuals who have served on nmsc’s Selection Committees and faced the challenging task of identifying those Scholars who consistently succeed beyond our expectations. We hope you will agree that these exceptionally talented individuals, and many more like them, deserve the profound recognition and support of nmsc and its many sponsors and partners in education.

Timothy E. McGuirePresident

A

National Merit Scholarship Corporation

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Beyond academic excellence

“Differentiating between the exceptional students and the

extraordinary Scholars of the United States is how I view the

mission we perform with and for National Merit Scholarship

Corporation. The defining distinctions, oftentimes, are a passion

for something meaningful, taking the intellectual risks, overcoming

difficult circumstances or obstacles, identifying a need in their

world, or the demonstrated drive and desire to make a difference.

Granted this is a judgment call, but those subjective or intangible

qualities—making an impact in the school or community, showing

evidence of intellectual individualism and engagement beyond

academic achievement, demonstrating curiosity through the choices

and opportunities presented—are the factors distinguishing the

extraordinary Scholars from the exceptional students.

Extraordinary scholarship need not be restricted to the school or

classroom setting. For me, the Scholars who stand out are those

who make me wonder—just how is it possible to do all they do, as

well as they do it, in a 24-hour day?”

W. Craig PartridgeDirector of College CounselingThe Adelson Educational CampusLas Vegas, NVNational Merit Scholarship Selection Committee


Sara E. VolzNATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP, 2013

Sara E. Volz began researching alternatives to fossil fuels at the age of 13. Her objec-tive was to use algae to produce diesel fuel sustainably, but she knew the amount of oil produced naturally by the algae would have to be increased in order to make the price competitive with other fuel sources. Her school lacked the lab she would need to grow algae and extract oil, so to conduct her research, Sara built her own photo-bioreactor underneath her lofted bed at home.

After collecting a microscope, flasks, and other equipment over time, Sara began isolating strains of algae that she believed would naturally produce large quantities of oil. She reached out to university professors to find labs where she could run more complicated protocols. She faced a lack of resources, long commutes, and countless research difficulties, but these challenges only motivated her further. She reasoned, “If it were easy, it wouldn’t be half as fascinating.” She continued her research even with a difficult class schedule filled with AP® courses.

By using herbicides that weaken the ability of algae to produce oil necessary for survival, Sara was able to artificially select algae with unusually high oil production. She grew these isolated strains of algae and found their oil yield to be significantly higher than that of the untreated algae. With great perseverance, in a lab she built in

Attending MAssAchusetts institute of technology

MoleculAr Biology or BiocheMicAl engineering

“My work has shaped me; it has shown me what I want to do with my life. It is motivating; it is fun. It gives me hope that I can use my knowledge and talents to make a difference.”


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Sara E. VolzNATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP, 2013

“My true goal is to understand the universe and I find that only scientific research has enabled me to find the academic challenges I seek and the opportunity to delve into some of the questions I want answered.“

her childhood bedroom, Sara had found a way to increase the cost-effectiveness of producing diesel fuel from algae.

For her work on biofuels, Sara was selected as the grand prizewinner of Intel’s Sci-ence Talent Search. She won $100,000 and a trip to the White House, where Presi-dent Obama mentioned her work in his official remarks. She has since been featured on CBS News and in Popular Mechanics magazine, and has been involved in science outreach projects for youth. She recently gave a talk at a TEDx conference about making research available to students of all ages. Sara is currently enrolled as an undergraduate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and plans to major in mo-lecular biology or biomedical engineering. She intends to pursue a research career in academia and aspires to make discoveries that will positively impact the world.


Azeezat A. AdelekeNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT NMSC SCHOLARSHIP, 2013

Attending yAle university

gloBAl AffAirs or politicAl science

Azeezat A. Adeleke distinguished herself in leadership and government positions throughout high school. She worked as an intern for Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer, the U.S. Democratic Whip, and was the only student to serve on her county’s Board of Education. She was also the president of her school’s student government association and editor-in-chief of her student newspaper.

Azeezat participated in summer scholarship programs in South Korea and Turkey de-signed to foster understanding and respect among youth internationally. When she traveled to South Korea to serve on the Council on International Education Exchange, she had an opportunity to visit the demilitarized zone at the North Korean border.

Standing at the dividing line between the two countries, Azeezat could see the im-print of decades of conflict on soldiers from both the North and South. She explains, “Half a century of failed diplomacy is shown in the posture of a few young men, far from home.” The experience showed her the complexities of diplomacy and the impact war can have on individual human lives.

Seeing the demilitarized zone firsthand inspired Azeezat to dedicate her life to for-eign policy. She now hopes to work for an organization like the United Nations or the State Department to help prevent further international conflict. She writes, “I believe in the power of public policy to have a positive impact on both daily life and our col-lective future.” With this in mind, she is planning to major in either global affairs or political science at Yale University, where she enrolled this fall.

“We must find solutions to the human dramas that play out on the world stage, ensuring that lives are not wasted in fruitless battles and that men on either side of a simple line can look at each other with respect, not revulsion.”

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Azeezat A. AdelekeNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT NMSC SCHOLARSHIP, 2013

Erin K. MulhollandNATIONAL MERIT WHEATON COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP, 2009

WheAton college

BiologicAl And BioMedicAl sciences

MAgnA cuM lAude

Working At A coMMunity heAlth center in chicAgo

When Erin K. Mulholland completed her application for the National Merit Scholar-ship competition in the fall of 2008, she recounted the aid work she performed as a 15-year-old in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. After witnessing extreme poverty in the developing world, she decided to dedicate her life to providing medical care to dis-advantaged populations. She asserted, “I have realized that if through my life and my actions the lives of just a few people become better, I will have had a successful life.”

The next fall, Erin enrolled as a freshman at Wheaton College to study biology and medicine. She completed a six-month internship at a hospital in Sierra Leone, where she helped deliver babies, researched pediatric malaria, and treated patients suffer-ing from tropical diseases. She even became a foster mother for several months to a 4-year-old girl, who changed how Erin understood the challenges of living in Sierra Leone. She states, “Working and living in Kamakwie, I learned things by experience that cannot be taught in a book…. All of this clarified and shaped my interest in international health, but nothing did so more than learning to see all of these chal-lenges through the eyes of one little girl who I loved, for whom they were the reality into which she was born.”

Continuing her involvement with disadvantaged populations, Erin is now working at a community health center for uninsured, low-income patients in Chicago. She plans to attend graduate school for dual master’s degrees in nursing and public health so that she can help shape health policies for local communities. Whether she is work-ing in a developing country or with a disadvantaged population here at home, Erin will better the lives of those around her for many years to come.

“I want to step out of my comfort zone and do something with my life that will help others…. I want to work with and bring medical care to people ignored or unnoticed by the rest of the world.”


Raymond T. WalterNATIONAL MERIT UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS, FAYETTEVILLE SCHOLARSHIP, 2009

Raymond, shown with his fatherphoto courtesy of David Gottschalk of NWA Media


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“Behind my story is not sound and fury, but a life of purpose and resolve. No challenges, physical, mental, or social, have stalled my pursuit, utilization, and discussion of knowledge.”

At the age of 18, Raymond T. Walter graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with a triple major in physics, mathematics, and economics. He defended a physics honors thesis on ferroelectric nanocomposites and a math honors thesis on conformal and differential geometry. He was inducted into several honors societies, including Phi Beta Kappa.

Raymond thrived as an undergraduate in the intellectual environment at his university. He conducted research with the Computational Condensed Matter Physics Group and attended discussion and reading groups with physicists, philosophers, mathema-ticians, and historians. He pursued interests in literature, philosophy, and the history of science and connected with a global network of scholars through the Ludwig von Mises Institute in Alabama. Raymond enjoyed his involvement in these intellectual communities because they enabled him to be culturally well-rounded, pursuing inter-ests in the humanities while also conducting research in the hard sciences.

Raymond is now a PhD student pursuing doctorates in both mathematics and phys-ics as a Distinguished Doctoral Fellow and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. After he completes his graduate degrees, he would like to synthesize his work in both fields by applying his knowledge of mathematics to physics research in a national lab or within private industry. Much of his work focuses on the design of nanoscale devices and the properties of materials used in nanotechnology.

Raymond’s academic accomplishments are almost unheard of for his age, and he has done it all while facing the challenges of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He says, “Upon graduating college at age 18 despite my disability and difficult triple major, I received a great deal of media attention. The response was overwhelming—I now realize that my educational pursuits have inspired many others, in academia or otherwise.”

university of ArkAnsAs, fAyetteville

physics, MAtheMAtics, econoMics

phi BetA kAppA

MAgnA cuM lAude

enrolled in tWo phd progrAMs in MAtheMAtics And physics At university of ArkAnsAs, fAyetteville

distinguished doctorAl felloW

nAtionAl science foundAtion grAduAte reseArch felloW


James F. SawickiNATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP UNDERWRITTEN BY MEAD WITTER FOUNDATION, INC., 2009

James F. Sawicki recently graduated summa cum laude from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW). He studied electrical and computer engineering and com-pleted internships with both S&C Electric Company and Qualcomm Inc. The internships gave him the op-portunity to explore the field of engineering in a pro-fessional environment while still an undergraduate. He explains, “The different natures of collaboration, learn-ing, and business in a corporate environment gave me a new perspective on engineering that I was able to apply to my schooling.” The experiences led him to enroll in a PhD program at UW in electrical engineering.

As a graduate student, James is now conducting bio-medical research with the Computational Electromag-netics Laboratory at UW. His group strives to produce a device that will create three-dimensional imagery of the human breast using microwave-frequency radiation. The project could lead to safer screening methods for breast cancer by enabling doctors to conduct screen-ings without exposing patients to the ionizing radiation that accompanies tests like mammograms and X-rays.

James finds biomedical research to be deeply reward-ing because of its potential to enhance quality of life for many. He notes, “The academic rigor and research experience of my PhD will prepare me to improve oth-ers’ lives to the very best of my ability.” While James is not yet sure what form his career will take, he plans to contribute to the field of science through innovation and teaching. He reports, “I find that doing pioneering work that deeply impacts people’s lives through their health brings me great satisfaction.”

university of Wisconsin, MAdison

electricAl And coMputer engineering

suMMA cuM lAude

enrolled in A phd progrAM in electricAl engineering At university of Wisconsin, MAdison

“My National Merit Scholarship was an educational landmark for me. I knew that the awards were very difficult to earn, and to be selected for this scholarship was a tremendous validation of my academic talent and hard work.”


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James F. SawickiNATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP UNDERWRITTEN BY MEAD WITTER FOUNDATION, INC., 2009

Sonja A. Hedblom3M SCHOLARSHIP, 2013

Attending MichigAn technologicAl university

BioMedicAl engineering

As a sophomore in high school, Sonja A. Hedblom stepped inside an operating room with a local educa-tional program called Medical Explorers. She saw that medical devices like surgical tools, prosthetic limbs, implants, and pacemakers play an essential role in medicine today. She decided she would contribute to the field of medicine through the development of biomedical technology.

Sonja is now studying biomedical engineering at Michi-gan Technological University (MTU) with the intention of becoming a part of what she calls “the backbone of medicine.” She explains, “I hope not only to improve the effectiveness of medical devices, but to create new ones in order to save lives and allow people to live healthy, carefree lives. If I can make a person’s body function better, I can have a lasting, positive impact on that person’s life.” In order to pursue her career in bio-technology, she plans to enter medical school or physi-cal therapy school after she graduates.

In addition to her undergraduate studies, Sonja will compete as a member of the Nordic ski team at MTU. She was a highly successful athlete in high school, be-coming an All-State and Junior Olympic athlete in Nor-dic skiing and competing at the state level in swimming, receiving four varsity letters. Sonja was one of eight women recognized as finalists for the Triple ‘A’ Award in Minnesota for excellence in academics, athletics, and fine arts.

“I hope to see the world from a fresh perspective, learn to solve the unsolved, and fix the broken. I hope to have my academic journey full of surprises. Most of all, I hope to learn what I have never learned before.”


Grace M. Mitchell NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT WALGREEN CO. SCHOLARSHIP, 2013

photo courtesy of Carrie Bradburn/ Lucien Capehart Photography


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Beginning in middle school, Grace M. Mitchell studied dance every day, practicing in the studio for several hours after school. In ninth grade, she chose to enter an arts high school, majoring in dance, while continuing her demanding work in the studio. The long hours of intense practice taught Grace discipline and resilience. She be-lieves the commitment and strength she developed as a dancer have shaped her into the person she is today.

Grace values academics and the pursuit of knowledge for the way they can empower an individual to have a positive impact on the world. She explains, “Unlike material objects or passing obsessions, a true passion for knowledge will never fade. No one can take away a learned language, scientific facts, or the history of a culture.” She believes that her education will help her to understand and better the world.

This fall, Grace will begin studying environmental engineering at Cornell University. She chose this major out of a desire to create functional, sustainable cities for the modern world. She notes, “If we hope to provide for our future generations, then our environment has to be sustainable. If we hope to move forward, then we have to be efficient.” She plans to continue her education, receive a master’s degree, and become involved with disaster relief and environmental restoration in addition to city planning. She also intends to continue dancing.

“Dancing requires discipline, commitment, and teamwork. There was also plenty of frustration and disappointment that forced me to develop a resistance to negativity. I believe these quali-ties are invaluable, and I will always carry them with me and bring them to whatever I do.”

Attending cornell university (neW york)

environMentAl engineering

“A well-educated individual is enlightened. These individuals can compre-hend complexities that create life as we know it, and can use this understanding to make the world a better place. I strive to be one of these individuals, and will use my education to better the environment and create a more sustainable world.”


Robert J. BromanNATIONAL MERIT ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORPORATION SCHOLARSHIP, 2009

The National Merit Scholarship awarded to Robert J. Broman helped inspire him to continue his academic excellence throughout college. He notes, “From a motiva-tional perspective, receiving a National Merit Scholarship reinforced the hard work that I had put in to succeed in high school and encouraged me to further that drive in my college endeavors.” Robert completed internships with Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, BP, and Newfield Exploration Company while attending the Colorado School of Mines. He was the first American to study abroad at the Petroleum Institute in the United Arab Emirates.

Upon completion of his master’s degree in finance at The University of Texas at Austin in May 2014, Robert will become a petroleum engineer in the oil and gas in-dustry. He hopes to combine the business and leadership training from his graduate education with the technical knowledge he gained as an undergraduate. He explains, “Within the oil and gas sector, I am hoping to work at the interface of engineering and finance to implement new technologies that will provide humanity with the energy that it needs to prosper.” He looks forward to his work in an industry that contributes to greater standards of living across the world. Ultimately, Robert would like to earn a PhD in petroleum engineering.

colorAdo school of Mines

petroleuM engineering

tAu BetA pi (engineering honor society)

suMMA cuM lAude

pursuing A MAster’s in finAnce At the universityof texAs At Austin

“The idea of working across the world due to the global scope of oil and gas markets piques my interest, and the fact that I’ll be learning new things for my entire career as technology evolves is also very enticing.”


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Robert J. BromanNATIONAL MERIT ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORPORATION SCHOLARSHIP, 2009

Sylvia D. ReiserNATIONAL MERIT LOCKHEED MARTIN SCHOLARSHIP, 2009

Sylvia D. Reiser devoted her final two years of college to building racecars with the Formula Racing Team at Michigan State University (MSU). Every year, the team designs, builds, and tests an Indy-style car and races it internationally. As project leader, Sylvia spent between 50 and 70 hours each week on the Formula car while also enrolled as a full-time student in an honors mechanical engineering program. She was responsible for the cockpit and brakes of her team’s car, starting with conceptual design and computer simulations and ending with assembly and construction. At their first competition at Michigan International Speedway, the 2013 MSU Formula Racing Team finished ninth out of 120 teams from around the world.

The experience enabled her to put her engineering education to practical use and to expand her knowledge beyond what she could learn in class. She explains, “I was able to build upon the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom and employ them in my designs and validation. It was an incredibly beneficial real-world experience that prepared me very well for a career as a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry.” Sylvia is now working for Chrysler Group LLC as an engine calibrator, a job which requires a comprehensive understanding of how the many elements of a vehicle function together, something she learned while building racecars at MSU.

Sylvia appreciates the importance of her education. She says, “I value academic suc-cess not so much because of the image that ‘being smart’ presents to other people, but because it shows me that I have learned something worthwhile.” Sylvia’s plans for the future may include graduate school to further her studies in mechanical engi-neering, meteorology, and geography.

MichigAn stAte university

MechAnicAl engineering

Minors in Meteorology And geogrAphy

eMployed As An engine cAliBrAtor At chrysler group llc


Margaret L. ChuNATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP, 2009


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After graduating from Duke University with an undergraduate degree in biology, Margaret L. Chu began attending veterinary school at Cornell University. She ex-plains, “Medicine calls to me because of its ability to take science and transform it into the power to heal and save. I chose to pursue veterinary medicine because of my love of animals, and I enjoy the challenge of working with patients that cannot com-municate directly with me.” Margaret has challenged herself with rigorous course work and striven to understand the science of her field in the hope that her educa-tion will help her better care for animals and improve the world around her.

Although the profession of veterinary medicine was something she always considered growing up, it was the opportunity to participate in an independent DukeEngage project in Madurai, India, the summer after her junior year that solidified Margaret’s decision to become a veterinarian. Her project focused on improving the health of animals in rural Tamil Nadu, indirectly bettering the lives of people in the area. She discloses, “It proved to me that I did indeed want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, leading me to apply to vet school when I returned to the U.S. that fall; by helping animals, I could help people.”

Margaret is grateful that her National Merit Scholarship helped her defray the costs of college, enabling her to focus on school and clubs instead of finances her fresh-man year. She observes, “By taking away the financial stress of my freshman year, the scholarship allowed me to branch out and really establish myself in clubs, organiza-tions, and academics.” As an undergraduate, Margaret competed on Duke’s College Bowl team and served as the group’s treasurer. She also became a coxswain for men’s crew, verbally steering and directing rowers during races. She states, “Coxing taught me more than anything ever will about leadership, teamwork, and commitment.”

duke university

Biology

Attending cornell university college of veterinAry Medicine

“Academic success is one marker of how you can change the world.”


Matthew L. GuthmillerNATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP, 2013

When the original iPhone was released in 2007, Matthew L. Guthmiller recognized a unique business opportunity. With an initial investment of $1,000 from his father, he started a company to sell iPhone unlocking software. In a matter of days, Matthew’s company broke even and began making a profit; after a few weeks, he had a buyer. Matthew had created and sold a successful technology startup at the age of 12.

Over several months, Matthew worked as a consultant for his company’s new owners, overseeing Web development and customer service and unlocking mailed-in iPhones from all over the world. Before even entering high school, he had gained experience working at two startups, overseeing other employees, and independently leading new projects. While in high school, Matthew ventured into software development and dabbled in finance. He won the Intel Excellence in Computer Science award two years in a row for his analysis of stock markets using supercomputing clusters.

Aiming to increase his knowledge in the industry, Matthew recently enrolled at Mas-sachusetts Institute of Technology to study electrical engineering and computer sci-ence. He wishes to revolutionize the way people interact with computers, making them more accessible, intuitive, and anticipatory, much like an “intelligent assistant.”

In his free time, Matthew enjoys flying airplanes and gliders. He currently holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating and has over 350 hours of flying experience to date. He rates achieving his pilot’s certificate in high school among his most satisfying accomplishments. He explains, “Flying is something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember, predating even my interest in computing and other sciences.” In the summer, Matthew will take a break from his studies and attempt to become the youngest person to fly solo around the world to raise money for charity.

Attending MAssAchusetts institute of technology

electricAl engineering And coMputer science


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Matthew L. GuthmillerNATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP, 2013

Katherine Y. ChenNATIONAL MERIT JOHN M. STALNAKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP, 2013

Attending hArvArd college

stAtistics or Applied MAtheMAtics With A focus in coMputer science

Katherine Y. Chen began taking advanced level courses at Dartmouth College during her senior year of high school. Two years ahead of her classmates in math, she became a teaching assistant for honors calculus at her high school, often instructing students who were older than she. Though teaching was difficult, she enjoyed sharing her love of the subject with others as they dis-covered calculus for the first time. She explains, “As a student, I reveled in the power and beauty of calculus. As a teaching assistant, I hoped to inspire a similar love of calculus in others.”

Katherine has excelled in academic competitions at the national level, taking first place in Le Grand Concours National French Exam and competing regionally and internationally in math. She was the founder and presi-dent of her high school debate team and the winner of 27 first-place statewide awards. Competing three times at nationals, her team reached second place in the country. Katherine also has the honor of being named a U.S. Presidential Scholar. The award is given annu-ally to two students from each state for academic excel-lence, leadership, character, and service.

Under a professor’s mentorship, Katherine spent three summers during high school researching pancreatic cancer at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College and Indiana University School of Medicine. She says, “As the daughter of a cancer survivor, my most meaningful extracurricular activity has been spending my summers investigating the molecular path-ways of pancreatic cancer.”

Katherine is the 2013 recipient of the National Merit John M. Stalnaker Memorial Scholarship, an award given to an outstanding National Merit Finalist planning to pursue a career in mathematics or science. The scholarship is a four-year award underwritten by nmsc in honor of its founding President and Chief Executive Officer, who recognized a need for increased support of science and math in America. Katherine is currently attending Harvard College with the intention of majoring in statistics or applied mathematics. She plans to have an area of focus in computer science and hopes to become a college professor.

“The challenge of statistics and math modeling is rewarding to me because it is inherently fascinating and has applications to important, real-world problems across so many disciplines.“


National Merit Scholarship Corporation (nmsc) conducts two annual academic competitions: the National Merit® Scholarship Program that is open to all students who meet entry requirements and the National Achievement® Scholarship Program in which Black American students can participate. The 2013 competitions began in October 2011 with a qualifying test administered by about 22,000 high schools and were completed in the spring of 2013 when scholarships were awarded.

ToTal: $48.6 million for 9,842Merit Scholarship, Special Scholarship, and achievement Scholarship awards$40.7 million for 6,745 awards

$7.9 million for 3,097 awards

Funding for Scholarships in 2013

nmsc

sponsors

National Merit® Scholarship ProgramAbout 1.5 million students who met program partici-pation requirements and took the 2011 Preliminary sat/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (psat/nmsqt®) entered the competition for recognition and college scholarships to be awarded to high school seniors in the spring of 2013.

37,546 entrants were named Commended Students in recognition of their outstanding performance on the qualifying test and their potential for success in chal-lenging college studies.

16,276 other participants, the highest-scoring en-trants in each state, were designated Semifinal-ists and had the opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships by fulfill-ing several additional requirements.

15,235 of the Semifinalists were notified in February 2013 that they met academic and other requirements to attain Finalist standing and were being considered for Merit Scholarship® awards.

7,846 Merit Scholar® designees, chosen from the Finalist group, received Merit Scholarship awards worth a total of $34.6 million. In addition, 1,207 other outstanding program participants (who were not Finalists) received Special Scholarships valued at $11.5 million. These Special Scholarships are provided by cor-porations, company foundations, and business organi-zations to complement their Merit Scholarship awards.

National Achievement® Scholarship ProgramOver 150,000 Black American students in more than 12,000 high schools requested consideration in the 2013 National Achievement Scholarship Program when they took the 2011 psat/nmsqt and entered the National Merit Scholarship Program. Approximately 4,700 of the participants received program recognition.

3,062 high-scoring participants were referred to United States colleges and universities for the purpose of ex-panding these students’ educa tional opportunities.

1,692 Semifinalists were named on a regional represen-tation basis and had the opportunity to advance in the competition for National Achievement Scholarships by meeting additional requirements.

1,364 of the Semifinalists met all the requirements to progress to the Finalist level of the competition and were considered for an Achievement Scholarship® award.

789 Finalists became Achievement Scholar® designees, winning scholarships worth over $2.5 million for col-lege undergraduate study.

Highlights of the 2013 competitions


21

About the Scholar class of 2013

The Scholar class of 2013 includes 7,846 Merit Scholar designees and 789 Achievement Scholar awardees. These 8,635 young men and women, who come from every state in the nation and from varied ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, have demonstrated outstanding scholastic ability throughout their high school careers and are a particularly high-achieving group. The following comparisons of grade average, class rank, average sat® scores, and honors-level courses taken, are with more than one million college-bound seniors of 2013 who took the sat, and are based on information provided by students when registering to take the test. These data are used with permission of the College Board, which sponsors the sat.

Extracurricular activitiesWhile maintaining the highest academic standards, the vast majority of Scholars were also involved in extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, and/or part-time employment.

Average sat scoresIn addition to demonstrating high achievement in the classroom, Scholars also performed extremely well on objective measures. On a scale ranging from 200 to 800, the 2013 Scholars’ average sat critical reading score was 744, the average mathematics score was 741, and the average writing skills score was 732. The total group of college-bound seniors, by comparison, had average scores of 496, 514, and 488, respectively.

Grade average98.5% of Scholars had a high school grade average of A- or above compared to 48% of all college-bound seniors.

Class rank94.1% of Scholars who attended high schools that rank students were in the top tenth of their class compared to 36% of all college-bound seniors.

% taking honors-level courses

ScholarsCollege-bound seniors

a greater percentage of Scholars take advantage of honors-level course offerings in core academic and elective fields than their college-bound peers.

english mathematics natural/physical science

social sciences/ history

foreign languages

0

20

40

60

80

100

Tentative college majorsThe fields of study below were selected by 3% or more of the Scholars when applying for their scholarships.

Engineering 23%

Biology/biomedical science 14%

Social sciences/ psychology 7%

Health and clinical science professions 6%

Physical sciences 6%

Business/finance 5%

History/humanities/ pre-law studies 4%

Mathematics/statistics 4%

Computer and information sciences 3%

English/journalism/ creative writing 3%


National Merit® Scholarship Program—At a glance

2013 National Merit Scholarship Selection Committee

Approximately one-third (about 16,000) of the high scorers are designated Semifinalists on a state representational basis. They are the top-scoring entrants in each state and the only program participants who have the opportunity to continue in the competition for Merit Scholarship® awards.

In addition to designating Semifinalists in each state, nmsc also has selection units for participants attending high schools in the District of Columbia, U.S. common-wealths and territories, schools in other countries that enroll U.S. citizens, and U.S. boarding schools that enroll a sizable pro-portion of students from outside the state in which the school is located.

nmsc sends Semifinalists’ names to U.S. colleges and universities to broaden the stu-dents’ educational opportunities, and a press release about them is sent to news media.

SEMIFINALISTS16,000

Some 50,000 students earn psat/nmsqt scores that qualify them for program recog-nition. In the fall, at the beginning of their senior year, these high scorers are notified that they have been designated as either Commended Students or Semifinalists.

HIGH SCORERS50,000

About two-thirds of the high scorers are named Commended Students on the basis of a nationally applied qualifying score that is usually at the 96th percentile. Students in this group receive Letters of Commen-dation in recognition of their outstanding performance on the qualifying test, but they do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships.

COMMENDED STUDENTS34,000

High school students enter the annual competition for recognition and awards by taking the Preliminary sat/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (psat/nmsqt®), usually in the fall of their junior year. Cur-rently, about 1.5 million students meet re-quirements to enter each annual National Merit Program.

ENTRANTS1.5 Million


23

Identifying scholastically talented youth and bringing them to the attention of col-leges and universities and the American public are enduring goals of the National Merit Scholarship Program. In the 58 competitions completed to date, over 2.8 mil-lion outstanding students have been honored, and over 355,000 academic cham-pions have received scholarships worth over $1.4 billion for undergraduate study.

alabama 11,752 236 215alaska 2,190 22 41arizona 19,301 460 298arkansas 6,152 33 132California 168,137 6,732 1,922Colorado 19,293 475 226Connecticut 30,806 859 202Delaware 6,896 102 43District of Columbia 3,744 229 61Florida 66,423 1,313 826Georgia 35,312 997 484Hawaii 7,025 111 70idaho 6,327 90 90illinois 38,576 1,530 724indiana 33,351 593 337iowa 8,005 148 172Kansas 9,748 280 153Kentucky 10,725 207 216louisiana 12,186 185 211Maine 9,456 106 80Maryland 44,193 1,451 325Massachusetts 48,146 1,823 354Michigan 28,560 431 562Minnesota 20,233 653 307Mississippi 6,247 50 138Missouri 13,418 370 324Montana 4,060 21 55nebraska 6,137 83 101nevada 7,744 92 94new Hampshire 7,696 156 78new Jersey 65,860 2,473 493new Mexico 8,544 68 95new York 138,591 2,767 1,060north Carolina 44,904 856 424north Dakota 1,825 0 34ohio 47,709 1,128 635oklahoma 7,903 133 194oregon 14,711 381 178Pennsylvania 70,222 1,527 692Rhode island 5,105 82 55South Carolina 16,242 222 205South Dakota 2,508 17 41Tennessee 15,225 410 322Texas 197,010 3,498 1,348Utah 5,807 82 152Vermont 3,868 99 42Virginia 48,112 1,478 382Washington 33,515 1,026 333West Virginia 3,546 0 79Wisconsin 17,926 280 331Wyoming 1,260 0 28other Selection Units 20,079 1,181 312

ToTal 1,462,311 37,546 16,276

2013 Program Entrants

Commended Students

Semi-finalists

To compete for National Merit Scholar-ships, Semifinalists must advance to the Finalist level of the competition by meeting several requirements.

The requirements include submitting a detailed scholarship application, having an outstanding academic record in all of grades 9 –12, submitting sat® scores that confirm the earlier psat/nmsqt performance, and being endorsed and recommended by a high school official. About 90% (approximately 15,000) of the Semifinalists fulfill these re-quirements. They are notified in early Febru-ary that they have become National Merit Program Finalists and are being considered for Merit Scholarship awards. High school officials are sent Certificates of Merit to present to these outstanding students.

FINALISTS15,000

Each year, over 9,000 scholarship winners are chosen on the strength of their creden-tials and potential for future success, with-out regard for gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. All Scholars receive a certificate in recognition of their award.

The rigorous review process that Semi-finalists undergo to advance in the competition results in a talent pool of exceptional Finalists who compete for National Merit Scholarships. The names of Merit Scholar® awardees are released to news media.

Other high-performing program partici-pants, who are not Finalists but meet cri-teria specified by corporate and business sponsors, compete for other National Merit Program awards called Special Scholarships. Special Scholarship winner announcements are handled independently by the corporate sponsors.

SCHOLARSoVeR 9,000


Merit Scholarship ® awardsMost corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards are offered to Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program who are children of the grantor organization’s employees or members. Some awards are designated for Finalists who reside in communities specified by the sponsor, and a few are provided for Finalists who are planning college majors or careers the sponsor wishes to encourage. Only Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program who meet a sponsor’s criteria are considered for that sponsor’s National Merit Scholarships.

Special Scholarship awardsApproximately two-thirds of the corporations, company foundations, and business organizations that fund Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program also provide funding for Special Scholarship awards. The number of Final-ists eligible for a particular sponsor’s scholarships

National Merit® $2500 ScholarshipsThe National Merit $2500 Scholarships are an inte-gral part of the National Merit Scholarship Program because all Finalists compete for these awards and winners are named in every state and selection unit. A Selection Committee, made up of college admis-sion officers and high school counselors, convenes to select winners of these one-time awards. In the 2013 program, most of the 2,500 National Merit $2500 Scholarships were financed by nmsc with its own funds. Business organizations that provide corporate- sponsored awards also helped underwrite a portion of these scholarships with grants they provided in lieu of paying administrative fees.

Corporate-sponsored scholarshipsThese scholarships are either four-year renewable awards that provide stipends ranging from $500 to $10,000 per year or single-payment awards of $2,500 to $5,000. They consist of two types:

National Merit® Scholarship Program—Scholarships

“In my years serving on the Selection Committee, I scoured each

letter of recommendation for key phrases that distinguished truly

brilliant candidates. Phrases like ‘one of the best of my 25-year

career,’ ‘a natural Scholar,’ ‘a true intellectual,’ or ‘the real deal’

underscored the thought that this student was beyond simply

smart, and truly enthralled with the world of ideas.

Typically, these were students who excelled in particularly rigorous

schedules, because they were innately curious and loved to learn.

Also, students who achieved at high levels despite obstacles—

students who hailed from largely non-academic families, or

under-resourced schools, or both—always captured my attention

and garnered a particularly careful read.”

Patricia F. GoldsmithAssociate Director of

College Counseling Hopkins SchoolNew Haven, CT

National Merit Scholarship Selection Committee


25

varies from year to year, but many sponsor organiza-tions want to provide a fixed number of awards in each competition. These sponsors utilize nmsc’s ser-vices to supplement their Merit Scholarship awards with Special Scholarship awards for high-performing program participants who are not Finalists. Corporate scholarships are usually named for the grantor organi-zation; however, the “National Merit” designation is not included in the Special Scholarship name. To be considered for a Special Scholarship, students must meet the sponsor’s specific criteria in addition to the participation requirements of the National Merit Schol-arship Program. An Entry Form for the student must also be submitted to the sponsor organization.

This year, the 248 corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations listed on pages 27–31

nmsc scholarships vary in a number of ways, including candidate criteria and monetary value. Although eligi-ble candidates can be considered for more than one type of scholarship, they can receive only one monetary award through nmsc. The awards must be used by Scholars for undergraduate study at regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States.

committed nearly $19 million to finance 1,044 National Merit Scholarships and 1,207 Special Scholarships.

College-sponsored Merit Scholarship® awardsOnly National Merit Program Finalists who notify nmsc of plans to attend a sponsoring college and are admitted to the institution are considered for the awards financed by the institution. College-sponsored scholarships, which can be used only at the college or university financing the award, are renewable annually and provide stipends ranging from $500 to $2,000 per year. In the 2013 National Merit Program, 4,302 college- sponsored awards, worth $20.9 million, were funded by 186 U.S. colleges and universities, which are listed on pages 27–31.

caci Chairman, Jack London, and President and CEO, Ken Asbury, welcome 2012 and 2013 recipients of caci Scholarships. From left are Jack London, Sherman K. Leung, Tiffany A. Le, Nicolas S. de Leon, and Ken Asbury.


The National Merit Scholarship Program strives to provide scholarships for as many students as possible. With the support of 434 independent spon-sor organizations, over half of the Finalists and a substantial number of other deserving program participants in the 2013 competition received scholar-ships for their undergraduate education. Corporations, foundations, and other business organizations have provided scholarships in all 58 Merit Scholarship® competitions completed to date. Colleges and uni-versities began underwriting awards in 1963. In 2013, sponsor organizations financed 72% of the scholarships awarded. All funds provided by sponsors are used for scholarships and are 100% tax-deductible.

Corporate sponsorshipThe 248 corporate organizations that sponsored awards in the 2013 competition represent the broad spec-trum of U.S. business, including many Fortune 500 companies. They share the belief that supporting the educational development of intellectually talented youth is a wise investment in the future, and they value the relationships that develop with their award recipi-ents. Commonly regarded as the highest honor a U.S. high school student can earn, the Merit Scholar® title is a distinction with which corporate sponsors are proud to be associated.

Through a formal agreement with nmsc, corporate and foundation sponsors tailor their programs to fit their objectives by specifying candidate qualifications

that match their particular interests. The number of scholarships a company or foundation offers annually ranges from one to more than 100. These sponsors also select the monetary limits of scholarships they finance.

All aspects of program management, from iden-tification of candidates to distribution of scholar-ship payments to winners, are handled by nmsc without charge. Services include providing sam-ple materials for publicizing a sponsor’s program, Web-based entry for award candidates, scholarship application processing, selection and notification of award winners, public announcement of National Merit Scholarship recipients, and certificates for pre-sentation to winners. nmsc also monitors the Scholars’ progress during their undergraduate years and sends their sponsors periodic status reports.

College and university sponsorshipThe 186 higher education institutions that provided Merit Scholarship awards in 2013 range from small private colleges to flagship state universities, and they all share the ability to attract National Merit Program Finalists to their campuses. nmsc provides college sponsors with lists of Finalists who have selected their institutions as first choice; college officials then choose the winners of their institutions’ awards. nmsc sends scholarship offers to winners, issues press releases, provides certificates for presentation to Scholars, and administers the awards during the recipients’ under-graduate years, all without charge.

National Merit® Scholarship Program—Sponsors

Since 2002, NextEra Energy Foundation, Inc. has sponsored scholarships in the National Merit Scholarship Program for children of employees of NextEra Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries. At a reception held to honor their 2013 scholar-ship recipients are, left to right, Jim Robo, President and CEO of NextEra Energy, Inc.; National Merit Scholarship recipients, Gina Carlene Cassulo and Hanna B. Rubin; and Eric Silagy, President of Florida Power and Light Company.


27

abilene Christian University 6

accenture llp 6 The acushnet Company, inc. 3

adp Foundation 17 23

affymetrix, inc. 2

air Products and Chemicals, inc. 8

akzo nobel inc. 6

albany international 2

The allergan Foundation 5 1

allscripts Solutions, inc. 3

alma College 4

ameren Corporation Charitable Trust 4 1

american City Business Journals, inc. 1 1

american electric Power Company, inc. 3

american Financial Group 2

american University 7

amerisourceBergen Corporation 8

The ametek Foundation 7

anadarko Petroleum Corporation 5

aon Foundation 6 6

archer Daniels Midland Company 10

arizona State University 102

arkema inc. Foundation 4

armstrong Foundation 2 10

asc Partners, llc 2

asm Materials education Foundation 1

astellas us llc 1 1

astraZeneca Pharmaceuticals lp 7 3

auburn University 55

austin College 1

Ball State University 6

basf Corporation 8

Battelle 19

Bayer usa Foundation 7 18

Baylor University 63

Bentley Systems, incorporated 1

Trust Under The Will of Mary e. Beyerle 8

Black & Veatch Corporation 2

bmc Software, inc. 3 3

bnsf Railway Foundation 3

The Boeing Company 60

Bookitout, inc. 1

BorgWarner inc. 5

Boston College 6

Boston University 27

Bowdoin College 16

bp Foundation, inc. 12 33

Bradley University 3 Branch Banking & Trust Company 2 8

Brandeis University 16

Bridgestone americas Trust Fund 3 35

Brigham Young University 57

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, inc. 13 33

Broadridge Financial Solutions, inc. 4

Brocade Communications Systems, inc. 3

Brooks Brothers Group, inc. 1

Bucknell University 5

Bunge north america, inc. 2

Bunzl usa, inc. 5

Butler University 5

caci international inc 5

Calvin College 10

Cardinal Health Foundation 2

Cargill, incorporated 10

Carleton College 57

Carlisle Companies incorporated 2

Carpenter Technology Corporation 3

Case Western Reserve University 45

cbs Corporation 6

Centre College 3

Chemtura Corporation 1 3

Chevron u.s.a. inc. 15

Chico’s fas, inc. 1

Citizen Watch Company of america, inc. 50

Claremont McKenna College 11

Clemson University 32

Colby College (Maine) 4

Colgate-Palmolive Company 3 7

Collective Brands Foundation 2 3

College of Charleston 5

College of Wooster 5

Colorado College 8

Sponsor Merit Special Sponsor Merit Special

Sponsors and the scholarships they supported in the 2013 National Merit® Scholarship Program

“When selecting Scholars, I look for students who are not only passionate about learning,

but who are also engaged in the world and passionate about applying their knowledge

toward improving it.”

NMSC professional staff


Sponsors and the scholarships they supported in the 2013 National Merit® Scholarship Program (continued)

Colorado State University 7

Computer Sciences Corporation 15

Conagra Foods Foundation 1

Concordia College (Minnesota) 4

consol energy inc. 1 12

Corning incorporated 5

Corporate sponsor grants 114 country Financial 5 Covidien 4 16

Creighton University 3csx Corporation 6

Cytec industries inc. 1 3

Davidson College 3

The Delphi Foundation 4

Denison University 8

DePauw University 3

Dickinson College (Pennsylvania) 2

Dole Food Company, inc. 2

R. R. Donnelley Foundation 4 12

The Dow Chemical Company Foundation 15 Dow Jones Foundation 3 7

Drake University 5

eastman Chemical Company Foundation, inc. 6

eaton Charitable Fund 4 11

electrolux north america 2

emerson Charitable Trust 9

emory University 42

essentra Holdings Corporation 1

estee lauder Companies inc. 1 2

ethicon, inc. 2

Fedex Custom Critical, inc. 2

Fedex Freight Corporation 20

Fedex Ground Package System, inc. 1 5

Ferro Foundation 2

Fifth Third Foundation 5 12

Florida State University 12

Fluor Foundation 1

fmc Corporation 3

fmc Technologies, inc. 2

Fordham University 42

Formosa Plastics Corporation, u.s.a. 3

Franklin and Marshall College 2

fts international, llc 1

Furman University 11

gaf 2

Gannett Foundation, inc. 2 10

GenCorp Foundation, incorporated 1 4

Genentech, inc. 20

General Dynamics 9

General Dynamics ordnance and Tactical Systems 2

General Mills Foundation 5

George Washington University 12

Georgia institute of Technology 128

Georgia-Pacific Foundation, Inc. 3 47

gkn Foundation 2 3

Gleason Foundation 3

Global Tungsten & Powders Corp. 2

Gonzaga University 1

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company 4 3

Gordon College (Massachusetts) 5

Goshen College 2

W.W. Grainger, inc. 1 9

Greyhound lines, inc. 3

Grinnell College 25

Gustavus adolphus College 3

Hampshire College 3

Harding University 8

Harris Corporation 2

Harsco Corporation Fund 1 4

Harvey Mudd College 36

H. J. Heinz Company Foundation 2 4

Hendrix College 10

Henkel Corporation 6

Hillsdale College 15

Honeywell international, inc. 25

Hope College 10

Hormel Foods Charitable Trust 18

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 1 1

The Harvey Hubbell Foundation 4

illinois Tool Works Foundation 3 27

illinois Wesleyan University 2

indiana University Bloomington 54

ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Huntington 4 ingalls industriesingersoll-Rand Charitable Foundation 4 13

insperity Services, l.p. 1 3

intermec Foundation 5

international Union of Bricklayers 3

and allied Craftworkersiowa State University 27

ithaca College 7

Jacobs engineering Foundation 5

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, inc. 3

Janssen Research & Development, llc 3

Janssen Supply Chain 3

John Bean Technologies Corporation 1 1

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, inc. 5 1

Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters 2

Kalamazoo College 1

Kaman Corporation 1 2



29

Kansas State University 7

The Kennametal Foundation 1 4

Kenyon College 13

Knovel 2

Knox College 3

lanxess Corporation 2

lawrence University (Wisconsin) 9

lehigh University 7

lennox international inc. 2 11

lewis & Clark College 3

liberty Mutual Scholarship Foundation 5 9

liberty University 14

lmi aerospace, inc. 1

lockheed Martin Corporation Foundation 49 51

loews Foundation 2 2

lord & Taylor Foundation 2

lorillard Tobacco Company 1 7

louisiana State University 33

louisiana Tech University 7

loyola University Chicago 4

lpl Financial 1 8

The lubrizol Foundation 3

luther College 1

luxottica Retail north america inc. 8

Macalester College 24

Macy’s, inc. 6 41

Marquette University 6

Marsh & Mclennan Companies, inc. 6 14

McDonald’s usa 3

McKesson Foundation inc. 12 8

Mead Johnson & Company, llc 1 1

Mead Witter Foundation, inc. 10

Glenn and Ruth Mengle Foundation 1

Messiah College 2

Metlife Foundation 10

Miami University 25

Michigan State University 29

Michigan Technological University 3

Mississippi State University 27

Missouri University of Science and Technology 4

The mitre Corporation 2

The Modine Manufacturing Company 2 Foundation, inc.Montana State University-Bozeman 4

The Moody’s Foundation 1 1

Motorola Solutions Foundation 8

national Distillers Distributors Foundation 9

national Merit Scholarship Corporation 2,387

nationwide Foundation 7 3

new College of Florida 3

new Jersey Manufacturers insurance Group 1 2

new York life Foundation 4

The newMarket Foundation 2

nextera energy Foundation, inc. 6

niSource Charitable Foundation 1 19

norfolk Southern Foundation 2 8

north Dakota State University 5

northeastern University (Massachusetts) 115

northrop Grumman Corporation 12

northwestern University 183

novartis us Foundation 16 25

novo nordisk inc. 2

nstar Foundation 2

oberlin College 23

occidental College 7

occidental Petroleum Corporation 2

o’Donnell Foundation 2

ohio University 3

oklahoma Christian University 7

oklahoma City University 3

oklahoma State University 26

old national Bank Foundation 2


“There was never just one thing; it was the ‘whole package’

of intelligence, test scores, life experiences, poignancy in

writing, and the pictures they created of their goals and their

life experiences—that combination—that jumped off the

page and justified my choices.”

Julie StaynerDirector of College Guidance

Jackson Hole High SchoolJackson, WY

National Merit Scholarship Selection Committee


Sponsors and the scholarships they supported in the 2013 National Merit® Scholarship Program (continued)

Franklin W. olin College of engineering 14

omnova Solutions Foundation, inc. 3

omron Foundation, inc. 5

oregon State University 5

ouachita Baptist University 2

owens Corning Foundation 1

Parker Hannifin Foundation 5

Frank e. Payne and Seba B. Payne Foundation 3

The Penn Mutual life insurance Company 2

Pennsylvania State University 5

Pepperdine University 5

PepsiCo Foundation, inc. 9

Pfizer Inc 35 15

Pilkington north america, inc. 2

Pomona College 6

ppg industries Foundation 15 38

ppg industries, inc. 2

ppl 3 1

PricewaterhouseCoopers Charitable Foundation, inc. 15

Principal life insurance Company 3

Public Service enterprise Group 1

Putnam investments, inc. 2

Quanex Foundation 1

Rensselaer Polytechnic institute 23

Research Triangle institute 3

Rexam inc. Foundation 2

Reynolds american Foundation 13

Rheem Manufacturing Company 1 2

Rhodes College 11

Robbins & Myers Foundation 1

Rochester institute of Technology 12

Rockwell automation Charitable Corporation 2

Rockwell Collins Charitable Corporation 9

Rolls-Royce north america inc. 3 2

Rose-Hulman institute of Technology 12

Rutgers, The State University of new Jersey 16

Saint louis University 3

St. olaf College 22

Samford University 5

Santa Clara University 4 Schindler elevator Corporation 5

Schneider electric north america Foundation 5 11

Science applications international Corporation 20

Scripps College 12

Scripps Howard Foundation 1 11

Scripps networks interactive, inc. 2

Sensient Technologies Foundation 2 1

Sentry insurance Foundation, inc. 1 4

Siemens Foundation 33 42

Snap-on incorporated 1 4

Sogeti usa llc 1

Solvay america 4

Sony electronics inc. 3

South Dakota State University 2

Southern Company Services, inc. 4

Southern Methodist University 29

Southwest airlines Co. 5

Southwestern University 2

C. D. Spangler Foundation, inc. 1 1

Spirit aeroSystems, inc. 3

sri international 2

State Farm Companies Foundation 12 88

Stony Brook University 5

Suburban Propane, l.p. 1

Tate & lyle americas llc 1 1

Taylor Publishing Company 1

td ameritrade Services Company, inc. 1 4

Tellabs Foundation 1

Teradata Corporation 4

Texas a&m University 126

Texas Christian University 7

Texas instruments incorporated 19 Texas Tech University 4

Textron Charitable Trust 7 3

J. Walter Thompson Company Fund, inc. 2

3M Company 19 21

Tomkins Gates Foundation 10

Towers Watson and Company 5

Transylvania University 2

The Travelers employees’ Club 5

Tredegar Corporation 2

Trinity University 4

Truman State University 7

Tufts University 59

Tulane University 25

Unisource Worldwide, inc. 1

United Services automobile association 2

United States Fire insurance Company 2

University of alabama at Tuscaloosa 111

University of alabama at Birmingham 16

University of arizona 58

University of arkansas, Fayetteville 27

University of Central Florida 54

University of Chicago 217

University of Cincinnati 22

University of Dallas 11

University of Dayton 1

University of evansville 2

University of Georgia Foundation 42

University of Houston 24



31

University of idaho 20

University of illinois at Urbana-Champaign 64

University of iowa 13

University of Kansas 22

University of Kentucky 75

University of louisville 13

University of Maine 1

University of Maryland 44

University of Miami 43

University of Minnesota 108

University of Mississippi 36

University of Missouri-Columbia 11

University of Montana 5

University of nebraska-lincoln 41

University of nevada, Reno 6

University of nevada, las Vegas 5

University of new Mexico 20

University of north Dakota 6 University of north Texas 4

University of oklahoma 151

University of oregon 7

University of Pittsburgh 3

University of Puget Sound 3

University of Richmond 3

University of Rochester 24

University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) 4

University of the South 5

University of South Carolina 44

University of South Florida 5

University of Southern California 192

University of Southern Mississippi 5

University of Tennessee 32

University of Texas at Dallas 70

University of Tulsa 40

University of Utah 25

University of Vermont 8 University of Wisconsin-Madison 5

University of Wisconsin-eau Claire 3

University of Wyoming 5 The ups Foundation 26 99

Ursinus College 2

usg Foundation, inc. 1 7

Utility Workers Union of america, afl-cio 2

Valparaiso University 1

Vanderbilt University 194

Varian Medical Systems 2

Villanova University 6

Virginia Polytechnic institute and State University 10

Vulcan Materials Company Foundation 3

Walgreen Co. 16

Sponsor Merit Special

National Merit® $2500 Scholarshipsall corporate sponsors also provide grants in lieu of paying administrative fees to help nmsc underwrite national Merit $2500 Scholarships.

President’s FundUnsolicited contributions to support Merit Scholarship® awards were received from the following donors (or on the behalf of individuals) in the 2012–13 fiscal year. They are acknowledged with sincere appreciation.

Fifth Third Bank, ellisville, Mo, on behalf of Peter Kidd and Jeff Smith Michael HeilmanJudy Hitchcocknicholas FoundationBeth l. o’Donohoeanonymous

Sponsor Merit Special

Washington and lee University 13

Washington State University 2

Washington University in St. louis 157

Waste Management 1

Wayne State University (Michigan) 7

West Virginia University 17

Westminster College (Utah) 1

Westmont College 2

Wheaton College (illinois) 18

Whitman College 4

Whitworth University 2

Wichita State University 5

Willamette University 2

Wirtz Corporation 4

Wofford College 2

Worcester Polytechnic institute 18

Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company 4

Xavier University (ohio) 2

The Xerox Foundation 12 7,846 1,207

With her parents at an event held at gaf, Special Scholarship winner Katelyn A. Brown celebrates receipt of a certificate in recognition of her gaf Scholarship.


*an asterisk indicates that Merit Scholars whose scholarships are sponsored by the institution are included; the number sponsored by the college is shown in parentheses.

Colleges and universities enrolling the 2013 entering class of Merit Scholar® awardees

6* abilene Christian University (6) 4* alma College (4) 10* american University (7) 11 amherst College 1 anderson University (indiana) 119* arizona State University (102) 67* auburn University (55) 1 augustana College (South Dakota) 1* austin College (1) 6* Ball State University (6) 3 Barnard College 1 Bates College 83* Baylor University (63) 4 Benedictine College (Kansas) 1 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania 11* Boston College (6) 32* Boston University (27) 19* Bowdoin College (16) 3* Bradley University (3) 17* Brandeis University (16) 80* Brigham Young University (57) 71 Brown University 4 Bryn Mawr College 7* Bucknell University (5) 5* Butler University (5) 42 California institute of Technology 4 California Polytechnic State University, San luis obispo 11* Calvin College (10) 71* Carleton College (57) 31 Carnegie Mellon University 1 Carson-newman College 1 Carthage College 65* Case Western Reserve University (45) 1 Cedarville University 4* Centre College (3) 1 Chapman University 15* Claremont McKenna College (11) 37* Clemson University (32) 5* Colby College (Maine) (4) 5* College of Charleston (5) 2 College of new Jersey 8 College of William and Mary 5* College of Wooster (5) 9* Colorado College (8) 3 Colorado School of Mines 8* Colorado State University (7) 85 Columbia University 4* Concordia College (Minnesota) (4) 1 Concordia University (illinois) 1 Concordia University irvine

1 Cooper Union for the advancement of Science & art 1 Cornell College (iowa) 69 Cornell University (new York) 4* Creighton University (3) 1 Curtis institute of Music 60 Dartmouth College 8* Davidson College (3) 14* Denison University (8) 1 DePaul University 3* DePauw University (3) 2* Dickinson College (Pennsylvania) (2) 7* Drake University (5) 4 Drexel University 1 Drury University 139 Duke University 1 Duquesne University 1 elizabethtown College (Pennsylvania) 1 elon University 1 emerson College 48* emory University (42) 15* Florida State University (12) Fordham University 37* Bronx (32) 11* College at lincoln Center (10) 1 Franciscan University of Steubenville 2* Franklin and Marshall College (2) 14* Furman University (11) 16* George Washington University (12) 23 Georgetown University 161* Georgia institute of Technology (128) 1* Gonzaga University (1) 5* Gordon College (Massachusetts) (5) 3* Goshen College (2) 1 Grace College (indiana) 26* Grinnell College (25) 3* Gustavus adolphus College (3) 4* Hampshire College (3) 9* Harding University (8) 268 Harvard College 52* Harvey Mudd College (36) 1 Haverford College 15* Hendrix College (10) 16* Hillsdale College (15) 12* Hope College (10) 2 Hunter College of the City University of new York 1 illinois State University 2* illinois Wesleyan University (2) 66* indiana University Bloomington (54) 38* iowa State University (27) 7* ithaca College (7)

28 Johns Hopkins University 1 Juniata College 2* Kalamazoo College (1) 8* Kansas State University (7) 1 Kent State University 15* Kenyon College (13) 3* Knox College (3) 1 lafayette College 11* lawrence University (Wisconsin) (9) 9* lehigh University (7) 3 leTourneau University 3* lewis & Clark College (oregon) (3) 15* liberty University (14) 41* louisiana State University at Baton Rouge (33) 7* louisiana Tech University (7) 6* loyola University Chicago (4) 1* luther College (1) 27* Macalester College (24) 1 Marietta College 7* Marquette University (6) 2 Marshall University 177 Massachusetts institute of Technology 3* Messiah College (2) 27* Miami University-oxford (25) 38* Michigan State University (29) 4* Michigan Technological University (3) 3 Middlebury College 1 Minnesota State University, Mankato 1 Mississippi College 32* Mississippi State University (27) 6* Missouri University of Science and Technology (4) 10* Montana State University- Bozeman (4) 1 Mount Holyoke College 1 Murray State University (Kentucky) 4* new College of Florida (3) 1 new Jersey institute of Technology 1 new Mexico institute of Mining and Technology 1 new Mexico State University 20 new York University 5 north Carolina State University 8* north Dakota State University (5) 144* northeastern University (Massachusetts) (115) 1 northern Kentucky University 249* northwestern University (183) 28* oberlin College (23) 9* occidental College (7)

Merit Scholars

Merit Scholars

Merit Scholars


33


Merit Scholars

Merit Scholars

Merit Scholars

1 ohio northern University 18 ohio State University-Columbus 4* ohio University-athens (3) 1 oklahoma Baptist University 10* oklahoma Christian University (7) 3* oklahoma City University (3) 30* oklahoma State University (26) 21* Franklin W. olin College of engineering (14) 1 olivet nazarene University 5* oregon State University (5) 4* ouachita Baptist University (2) 16* Pennsylvania State University- University Park (5) 5* Pepperdine University (5) 1 Point loma nazarene University 27* Pomona College (6) 162 Princeton University 18 Purdue University 2 Reed College 29* Rensselaer Polytechnic institute (23) 1 Rhode island School of Design 12* Rhodes College (11) 64 Rice University 1 Roberts Wesleyan College 15* Rochester institute of Technology (12) 17* Rose-Hulman institute of Technology (12) 23* Rutgers, The State University of new Jersey (16) 4* Saint louis University (3) 1 Saint Mary’s College (indiana) 1 St. norbert College 29* St. olaf College (22) 6* Samford University (5) 8* Santa Clara University (4) 14* Scripps College (12) 1 Seattle Pacific University 3 Smith College 2* South Dakota State University (2) 32* Southern Methodist University (29) 2* Southwestern University (Texas) (2) 176 Stanford University State University of new York at 1 Buffalo 10* Stony Brook (5) 5 suny College at Geneseo 10 Swarthmore College 2 Syracuse University 150* Texas a&m University (126) 8* Texas Christian University (7) 4* Texas Tech University (4)

1 Thomas edison State College 1 Thomas More College (Kentucky) 2* Transylvania University (2) 4* Trinity University (Texas) (4) 9* Truman State University (7) 66* Tufts University (59) 26* Tulane University (25) 3 Union University (Tennessee) University of alabama, 123* Tuscaloosa (111) 22* Birmingham (16) 2 Huntsville 1 University of alaska anchorage 68* University of arizona (58) 34* University of arkansas, Fayetteville (27) University of California, 109 Berkeley 2 Davis 16 los angeles 14 San Diego 1 Santa Barbara 1 Santa Cruz 60* University of Central Florida (54) 314* University of Chicago (217) 26* University of Cincinnati (22) 4 University of Colorado at Boulder 4 University of Connecticut-Storrs 13* University of Dallas (11) 1* University of Dayton (1) 1 University of Delaware 1 University of Denver 2* University of evansville (2) 20 University of Florida 55* University of Georgia (42) 25* University of Houston- University Park (24) 25* University of idaho (20) University of illinois at 85* Urbana-Champaign (64) 3 Chicago 16* University of iowa (13) 28* University of Kansas (22) 95* University of Kentucky (75) 16* University of louisville (13) 2* University of Maine (1) 1 University of Mary University of Maryland, 54* College Park (40) 6* Baltimore County (4) 1 University of Massachusetts amherst

57* University of Miami (43) 56 University of Michigan University of Minnesota- 135* Twin Cities (107) 2* Morris (1) 39* University of Mississippi (36) University of Missouri- 11* Columbia (11) 1 Kansas City 5* University of Montana-Missoula (5) University of nebraska 51* lincoln (41) 1 omaha University of nevada, 7* Reno (6) 6* las Vegas (5) 20* University of new Mexico (20) University of north Carolina at 37 Chapel Hill 1 Charlotte 1 Greensboro 6* University of north Dakota (6) 4* University of north Texas (4) 52 University of notre Dame 173* University of oklahoma (151) 10* University of oregon (7) 121 University of Pennsylvania 24* University of Pittsburgh (3) 3 University of Puget Sound (3) 6* University of Richmond (3) 26* University of Rochester (24) 4* University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) (4) 1 University of Scranton 5* University of the South (5) 2 University of South alabama 54* University of South Carolina- Columbia (44) 7* University of South Florida (5) 245* University of Southern California (192) 5* University of Southern Mississippi (5) 37* University of Tennessee, Knoxville (32) University of Texas at 67 austin 89* Dallas (70) 1 Tyler 1 University of Toledo 50* University of Tulsa (40) 33* University of Utah (25) 9* University of Vermont (8) 36 University of Virginia 18 University of Washington


Colleges and universities enrolling the 2013 entering class of Merit Scholar® awardees (continued)

University of Wisconsin- 19* Madison (5) 3* eau Claire (3) 1 oshkosh 6* University of Wyoming (5) 2* Ursinus College (2) 3* Valparaiso University (1) 260* Vanderbilt University (194) 5 Vassar College 6* Villanova University (6) 1 Virginia Commonwealth University 17* Virginia Polytechnic institute and State University (10) 5 Wake Forest University 18* Washington and lee University (13)


Scholars enrolled

4,8542,9927,846

Colleges attended

191129320

private institutions

public institutions

3* Washington State University (2) 202* Washington University in St. louis (157) 7* Wayne State University (Michigan) (7) 2 Webb institute 7 Wellesley College 6 Wesleyan University (Connecticut) 21* West Virginia University (17) 1 Western Kentucky University 1 Western Michigan University 1* Westminster College (Utah) (1) 3* Westmont College (2) 20* Wheaton College (illinois) (18) 4* Whitman College (4) 1 Whittier College

2* Whitworth University (2) 6* Wichita State University (5) 2* Willamette University (2) 30 Williams College 2* Wofford College (2) 20* Worcester Polytechnic institute (18) 3* Xavier University (ohio) (2) 178 Yale University 3 Yeshiva University

Merit Scholars

Merit Scholars

Merit Scholars

“When selecting Scholars from these pools of gifted and accomplished high school seniors,

the quality that stands out most is what we often call grit. A student who can challenge

himself or herself in several arenas (academic, personal, and extracurricular) and still come

out on top is one who is sure to have success in rigorous college studies. Students who

express a ‘never give up’ attitude embody this concept of grit. Whether it is a research

project that required them to dig their heels in, a personal tragedy or challenge that they

overcame, or a life event that taught them an important lesson, the unflinching ability of

these young people to rise above and continue to achieve to the best of their abilities is

what sets them apart from the group.”

NMSC professional staff


35

“I am always humbled by the quantity and the quality of

the applications we are honored to review. We are looking

for engaged students who, despite obstacles, have

challenged themselves within the context of their school’s

curriculum. Intellectual engagement is important but we

care about content of character as much as we care about

the content of the transcript.”

Allene P. NiemiecAssociate Director of

College GuidanceSaint Andrew’s School

Boca Raton, FLNational Achievement Scholarship

Selection Committee


The National Achievement Scholarship Program was established in 1964 to identify academically talented Black American high school students and encourage their pursuit of higher education. During the competition’s 49-year history, approximately 219,000 entrants have been brought to the attention of U.S. colleges and universities, and over 32,000 of the most outstanding participants have received National Achievement Scholarships worth $102.9 million for undergraduate study.

Approximately 4,800 entrants earn psat/nmsqt scores high enough to qualify for National Achievement Program recognition. Their scores place them in the top 3% of program participants. These high perform-ers are notified of their status in the fall of their senior year.

PROGRAMRECOGNITION

4,800

About 3,100 young men and women are brought to the attention of four-year U.S. colleges and universities. These students receive certificates in recognition of the academic potential demonstrated by their high performance on the qualifying test, but they do not continue in the competition for National Achievement Scholarship awards.

OUTSTANDING PARTICIPANTS

3,100

National Achievement® Scholarship Program—At a glance

2013 National Achievement Scholarship Selection Committee

Currently, over 150,000 Black American juniors in more than 12,000 high schools request consideration in the National Achievement Program when they take the Pre-liminary sat/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (psat/nmsqt®) and enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program. Black students can compete for scholarships and be honored in both programs, but they can receive only one monetary award through nmsc.

ENTRANTS150,000


37

Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, new Hampshire, new Jersey, new York, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, Vermont, and Virginia 55,524 1,094 445

illinois, indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, north Carolina, ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin 28,915 415 385

alabama, arkansas, Florida, Georgia, louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina 27,976 449 461

alaska, arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, idaho, iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, nebraska, nevada, new Mexico, north Dakota, oklahoma, oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming 39,026 975 369

other Selection Units 1,940 129 32

ToTal 153,381 3,062 1,692

2013 Program Entrants

Outstanding Participants

Referred to Colleges

Semi- finalists

About 1,700 of the high-scoring entrants are designated Semifinalists in regional selection units.

The number named in each region is pro-portional to the region’s population of Black Americans. Semifinalists are the highest- scoring participants in the states that make up each region and the only National Achieve-ment Program participants who have an op-portunity to continue in the competition for Achievement Scholarship® awards.

nmsc sends Semifinalists’ names to U.S. col-leges and universities and distributes a press release about them to news media.

SEMIFINALISTS1,700

To be considered for a National Achieve-ment Scholarship, Semifinalists must ad-vance to the Finalist level of the competition by meeting several requirements.

The requirements include submitting a detailed scholarship application, having a consistently high academic record in all of grades 9–12, being endorsed and rec-ommended by a high school official, and submitting sat® scores that confirm their earlier psat/nmsqt performance. By meet-ing these requirements, about 80% (ap-proximately 1,300) of Semifinalists in each annual competition become Finalists and earn a Certificate of Achievement.

FINALISTS1,300

About 800 Achievement Scholar® awardees are selected from the group of Finalists. Committees of experienced professionals carefully evaluate infor-mation submitted about each Finalist and select winners on the basis of their abilities, academic and extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college work. All Scholars receive a certificate in recognition of their award. nmsc sends a press release to news media in Scholars’ communities.

SCHOLARS800


National Achievement® Scholarship Program—Scholarships

National Achievement® $2500 ScholarshipsEvery Finalist is considered for one of the 700 National Achievement $2500 Scholarships offered through the National Achievement Scholarship Program, an aca-demic competition for Black American high school stu-dents. These scholarships are awarded on a regional representation basis. Award winners are selected by an independent committee of college admission officers and high school counselors who evaluate information submitted by Finalists and their schools as part of the application process. Most of these one-time awards are financed by nmsc with its own funds, but support is also provided by grants from corporate sponsors.

Corporate-sponsored scholarshipsCorporations, foundations, business organizations, and professional associations underwrite Achieve-ment Scholarship® awards for Finalists in the National Achievement Scholarship Program. Most corporate sponsors specify their awards for Finalists who reside in an area served by the sponsor, for those who have career plans the grantor wishes to encourage, or for Finalists who are children of their employees. Sponsors of this year’s Achievement Scholarship awards are listed on the next page.

Corporate-sponsored scholarships provide either a single payment of $2,500 to $5,000 when the Scholar enters college or an annual stipend that can range from $500 to $10,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study. In 2013, 89 corporate-sponsored Achievement Scholarship awards worth $700,000 were offered to Finalists.

Phylesia A. Fralin, recipient of a 2013 National Achievement nmsc Scholarship, is currently attending Florida a&m University and majoring in accounting.

“nmsc Scholars are more than academicians; they are amazing

individuals. The essay often gives the greatest insight into the

candidate. I want to see not only good writers but those who can

capture their stories. It is amazing to see a glimpse or snapshot

into the lives of future leaders and achievers—true Scholars.”

Michelle G. Kleve Counseling CoordinatorSmoky Hill High School

Aurora, CO National Achievement Scholarship

Selection Committee


39

Corporations, foundations, business organizations, and professional associations have financed National Achievement Scholarships in every competition, includ-ing the first in 1965. They have expended or committed approximately $51 million for some 13,900 awards for outstanding Black American high school students to con-tinue their education. Sponsors provide Achievement

Sponsors of scholarships in the 2013 National Achievement® Scholarship Program

Officials from R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company present a certificate to Teaira J. Wilhoite at her high school in recognition of her National Achievement Scholarship sponsored by R. R. Donnelley Foun-dation. Pictured from left to right are Kevin Collins, Director, Finan-cial Projects, Analysis and Support, Global Financial Shared Services; Travonya Wilhoite, Accountant, Nashville Shared Services Center; Teaira J. Wilhoite, scholarship re-cipient; and Carolee Wells, Man-ager, Financial Accounting, Nashville Shared Services Center.

Scholarship® awards through an agreement with nmsc. The National Achievement Program’s professional ser-vices for sponsors are provided by nmsc without charge and include all aspects of candidate identification and award administration. Certificates are provided for spon-sors to present to their winners, and a press release is sent to news media in each Scholar’s community.

National Achievement® Scholarship Program—Sponsors

789

The allergan Foundation 1

ameren Corporation Charitable Trust 1

The Boule Foundation 12

bp Foundation, inc. 1

Con edison 1

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, inc. 1

Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation 1

R. R. Donnelley Foundation 2

exxonMobil 2

General Mills Foundation 1

gkn Foundation 2

Janssen Research & Development, llc 1

loews Foundation 1

lorillard Tobacco Company 1

Mead Johnson & Company, llc 1

Mead Witter Foundation, inc. 5

Motorola Solutions Foundation 3

national Merit Scholarship Corporation 710

nationwide Foundation 1

Sponsor # awards

Achievement FundIn the fiscal year that ended May 31, 2013, a contribution that will be used to support achievement Scholarship® awards was received from the north Shore Chapter of The Links, Incorporated for the benefit of The Links Foundation, inc., in honor of lemmon C. McMillan, former Vice President, achievement Program. Their generosity is gratefully acknowledged.

The newMarket Foundation 1

norfolk Southern Foundation 1

PepsiCo Foundation, inc. 5

ppg industries Foundation 2

Reynolds american Foundation 5

Rockwell automation Charitable Corporation 2

Sony electronics inc. 3

Southern Company Services, inc. 1

sri international 2

The ups Foundation 3

Walgreen Co. 6

The Xerox Foundation 10

Sponsor # awards


1 adelphi University 2 amherst College 1 arizona State University 1 armstrong atlantic State University 1 atlantic Cape Community College 3 auburn University 2 Barnard College 1 Baylor University 1 Belmont University 2 Boston University 2 Bowdoin College 1 Brigham Young University 30 Brown University 1 California institute of Technology 1 Canisius College 1 Carnegie Mellon University 1 Case Western Reserve University 1 City College of new York of the City University of new York 2 Clemson University 2 College of Charleston 1 Colorado State University 18 Columbia University 18 Cornell University (new York) 10 Dartmouth College 3 Davidson College 28 Duke University 1 Durham Technical Community College 1 earlham College 1 east Carolina University 1 elon University 5 emory University 3 Florida a&m University 2 Florida international University 1 Florida State University Fordham University 4 Bronx 2 lincoln Center 1 Franklin and Marshall College 1 George Mason University 1 George Washington University 5 Georgetown University 15 Georgia institute of Technology 1 Georgia State University 1 Gordon College (Massachusetts) 53 Harvard College 5 Harvey Mudd College 2 Hillsdale College 11 Howard University 2 illinois institute of Technology

1 indiana University Bloomington 2 ithaca College 1 John Carroll University 5 Johns Hopkins University 1 Kalamazoo College 1 Kennesaw State University 1 Kenyon College 1 lamar University 1 lehigh University 2 louisiana State University at Baton Rouge 1 louisiana Tech University 1 loyola Marymount University 35 Massachusetts institute of Technology 1 Mercer University 1 Michigan State University 1 Morehead State University (Kentucky) 2 Morehouse College 1 Morgan State University 1 Mount Saint Mary College (new York) 6 new York University 5 north Carolina State University 7 northeastern University (Massachusetts) 10 northwestern University 3 oberlin College 1 occidental College 4 ohio State University-Columbus 1 oklahoma State University 1 Pomona College 1 Portland State University 30 Princeton University 2 Purdue University 1 Rhodes College 10 Rice University 1 The Richard Stockton College of new Jersey 1 Rochester institute of Technology 1 Rollins College 1 Rutgers, The State University of new Jersey 1 Saint louis University 1 Salem College (north Carolina) 1 Skidmore College 2 Smith College 2 Southern Methodist University 1 Southwestern assemblies of God University 1 Spelman College

43 Stanford University 4 State University of new York at Stony Brook 3 Swarthmore College 1 Tennessee State University 8 Texas a&m University 1 Texas State University-San Marcos 1 Texas Tech University 1 Trinity College (Connecticut) 3 Tufts University 4 Tulane University 1 Tuskegee University University of alabama, 8 Tuscaloosa 5 Birmingham 4 University of arizona University of California, 2 Berkeley 1 Davis 2 los angeles 1 San Diego 4 University of Central Florida 19 University of Chicago 4 University of Cincinnati 2 University of Colorado at Boulder 1 University of Connecticut-Storrs 1 University of Dayton 1 University of Delaware 3 University of Florida 6 University of Georgia 1 University of Houston- University Park 3 University of illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2 University of Kentucky 1 University of louisiana at Monroe 1 University of louisville University of Maryland, 8 College Park 3 Baltimore County 5 University of Miami 7 University of Michigan 4 University of Mississippi 1 University of Missouri-Columbia 1 University of nevada, Reno 1 University of new Mexico University of north Carolina at 10 Chapel Hill 1 Greensboro 4 University of notre Dame

Achievement Scholars



Colleges and universities enrolling the 2013 entering class of Achievement Scholar® awardees


41

3 University of oklahoma 31 University of Pennsylvania 5 University of Pittsburgh 1 University of San Diego 8 University of South Carolina- Columbia 1 University of South Florida 5 University of Southern California 4 University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Texas at 7 austin 6 Dallas 3 University of Virginia 1 University of Washington University of Wisconsin- 1 Madison 1 oshkosh 25 Vanderbilt University 3 Vassar College 4 Wake Forest University 1 Washington and lee University 21 Washington University in St. louis 1 Wayne State University (Michigan) 4 Wellesley College 3 Wesleyan University (Connecticut) 1 Westminster College (Utah) 2 Wheaton College (illinois) 2 Williams College 3 Xavier University of louisiana 46 Yale University


Scholars enrolled

584205789

Colleges attended

87 76 163

private institutions

public institutions

85 percent of Scholars reported a GPA of A- or above upon graduation.

92 percent of Scholars grad uated from college with some form of honors (summa, magna, or cum laude). 43% graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors).

67 percent reported receiving academic honors, awards, or fellowships/scholarships in addition to their awards from National Merit Scholarship Corpo-ration. Examples include a Marshall Scholarship or Fulbright Fellowship.

90 percent of students surveyed reported that they had partici pated in one or more extracurricular activities, in-cluding athletics, community service/tutoring, teaching/research, serving as an officer of an organization, or pub-lishing papers/research articles.

Interesting facts about the National Merit and National Achievement Scholars who graduated from college in 2013

Top postgraduate plans:

Graduate school - 24% Teaching career - 5%Business career - 13% Engineering career - 5%Medical school - 9% Medical career - 5%

“I look for students who stand out from the crowd. Students who

have been engaged in real and substantive research separate

themselves from excellent students who are content with excelling

only in traditional education. I also look at those individuals who

overcame hardships and, despite those difficulties, were able to

focus on pursuing intellectual excellence. Students who dare to think

differently or stand up for what they believe leads me to believe that

they are ‘can’t miss’ prospects not only in college, but in life.”

Louis E. Quinn, Jr. School Counselor

Greenwich High SchoolGreenwich, CT

National Achievement Scholarship Selection

Committee


William L. PierceDirector of Undergraduate

AdmissionUniversity of Toledo

Toledo, OH National Achievement Scholarship Selection

Committee

“While strong academics are common amongst most of the

applicant pool, I often look to see what contributions the students

are making to their learning environments and to their surrounding

communities. Evidence of self-motivated leadership helps a student

to stand out. Whether it is leading a volunteer effort to improve the

quality of the school, earning the title of captain on a sports team,

becoming an Eagle Scout, or spearheading a program that provides

service to the community, leadership shows that a student is willing

to think and serve selflessly.

Additionally, perseverance through life’s challenges is a testament

to a student’s character, focus, and resolve to achieve academic

success. To me, evidence of these traits allows the reviewers to gain

insight into the student’s trajectory in life, which may ultimately

earn the student the distinguished title of Scholar.”

To the Board of Directors National Merit Scholarship CorporationEvanston, Illinois

Report on the Financial StatementsWe have audited the accompanying fi nancial statements of National Merit Scholarship Corporation which comprise the statements of fi nancial position as of May 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related statements of activities and cash fl ows for the years then ended and the related notes to the fi nancial statements.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial StatementsManagement is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these fi nancial statements in accordance with accountingprinciples generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of fi nancial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s ResponsibilityOur responsibility is to express an opinion on these fi nancial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the fi nancial statements are free of material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the fi nancial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the fi nancial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the fi nancial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circum-stances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of signifi cant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the fi nancial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is suffi cient and appropriate to provide a reasonable basis for our audit opinion.

OpinionIn our opinion, the fi nancial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the fi nancial position of National Merit Scholarship Corporation as of May 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash fl ows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

McGladrey LLP

Chicago, Illinois August 2, 2013

financiaL REPORTJune 1, 2012–May 31, 2013

43

See Notes to Financial Statements.

Assets 2013 2012Cash $ 363,706 $ 395,621

Investments, at fair value Money market funds 9,587,145 2,892,628

Common and preferred stocks (cost: 2013, $14,592,156; 2012, $13,995,230) 19,941,378 14,610,221

Mutual funds (cost: 2013, $98,087,889; 2012, $112,777,529) 127,009,545 125,624,681

156,538,068 143,127,530

Other assets Accrued interest and dividend income receivable 52,783 55,048

Other receivables and prepaid expenses 127,188 920,905

Software, equipment, furniture and leasehold improvements 7,757,809 5,545,899

7,937,780 6,521,852$ 164,839,554 $ 150,045,003

Liabilities and Net Assets

Liabilities Sponsor grants received in advance $ 1,747,119 $ 1,751,065

Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,422,238 2,030,467

Payable to brokers and banks 61,747 78,476

3,231,104 3,860,008

Net assets Unrestricted National Merit Program 144,844,840 129,064,735

National Achievement Program 12,658,355 13,487,401

157,503,195 142,552,136

Temporarily restricted National Merit Program 803,150 436,164

National Achievement Program 241,089 135,679

1,044,239 571,843

Permanently restricted National Merit Program 2,421,016 2,421,016

National Achievement Program 640,000 640,0003,061,016 3,061,016

161,608,450 146,184,995$ 164,839,554 $ 150,045,003

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION May 31, 2013 and 2012

44


Unrestricted 2013 2012 Revenue: Merit Achievement Total Total Sponsor grants and donor contributions $ 39,803,778 $ 493,378 $ 40,297,156 $ 40,694,975

Investment income, net 1,606,295 136,330 1,742,625 1,644,777

Test fee revenue 2,272,693 401,063 2,673,756 2,682,488

Operational contributions 3,365,737 593,954 3,959,691 5,382,423

Other 11,324 209 11,533 9,628

Net assets released from restriction 130,463 34,287 164,750 168,505

47,190,290 1,659,221 48,849,511 50,582,796

Expenses: Sponsor scholarship expense 39,043,956 459,118 39,503,074 39,936,059

nmsc scholarship expense 5,969,250 1,953,583 7,922,833 7,888,292

Contribution expense 2,272,693 401,063 2,673,756 2,682,488

Operating expenses 7,044,013 1,370,503 8,414,516 10,889,830

54,329,912 4,184,267 58,514,179 61,396,669

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 22,919,727 1,696,000 24,615,727 (3,980,912)

Change in unrestricted net assets 15,780,105 (829,046) 14,951,059 (14,794,785)

Temporarily restricted Investment loss, net (5,348) (1,498) (6,846) (6,100)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 502,797 141,195 643,992 (214,642)

Net assets released from restriction (130,463) (34,287) (164,750) (168,505)

Change in temporarily restricted net assets 366,986 105,410 472,396 (389,247)

Increase (decrease) in net assets 16,147,091 (723,636) 15,423,455 (15,184,032)

Net assets Beginning of year 131,921,915 14,263,080 146,184,995 161,369,027

End of year $ 148,069,006 $ 13,539,444 $161,608,450 $ 146,184,995

STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012

45

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Nature of Activities and Signifi cant Accounting PoliciesNational Merit Scholarship Corporation (nmsc) is an Illinois not-for-profi t corporation. nmsc executes agreements with some 450 corpora-tions, company foundations, other business organizations, and colleges and universities to provide grants in support of scholarships awarded by nmsc to students for college undergraduate study. nmsc conducts two annual competitions: the National Merit Scholarship Program, which is open to all U.S. high school students, and the National Achievement Scholarship Program, in which Black American students participate.

The fi nancial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles applicable to nonprofi t organizations, which require that net assets and related revenue, expenses, gains and losses be classifi ed as unrestricted, temporarily restricted, or permanently restricted based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. Unrestricted net assets are not subject to donor-imposed restrictions, and include funds designated by the Board of Directors for specifi c purposes. Temporarily restricted net assets are subject to donor-imposed restrictions which will be met either by nmsc’s actions or the passage of time. Temporarily restricted net assets are reclassifi ed to unrestricted net assets when the restrictions have been met or have expired. Temporarily restricted net assets of nmsc include earnings on the endowment fund which have not yet been appropriated for expenditure. Permanently restricted net assets are subject to donor-imposed restrictions requiring the principal to be maintained in perpetuity, and the income to be used only for nmsc’s scholarship programs.

The preparation of fi nancial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the amounts reported in the fi nancial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The carrying amounts of fi nancial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012

46

Cash Flows from Operating Activities 2013 2012 Change in net assets $ 15,423,455 $ (15,184,032)

Unrealized (gain) loss on investments (20,808,735) 8,456,866

Realized gain on investments (4,450,984) (4,261,312)

Depreciation and amortization 1,182,940 401,747

Changes in: Accrued interest and dividend income receivable 2,265 14,328

Other receivables and prepaid expenses 793,717 (213,134)

Sponsor grants received in advance (3,946) (199,650)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (608,229) 1,023,656

Payable to brokers and banks (16,729) 58,711

Net cash used in operating activities (8,486,246) (9,902,820)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities Purchase of investments (72,105,932) (83,184,887)

Proceeds from sale of investments 83,955,113 95,993,048

Purchase of software, equipment, furniture and leasehold improvements (3,394,850) (3,364,902)

Net cash provided by investing activities 8,454,331 9,443,259

Decrease in cash (31,915) (459,561)

Cash: Beginning of year 395,621 855,182

End of year $ 363,706 $ 395,621


Cash consists primarily of checking accounts held in a major national bank. The cash balances are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (fDic) up to $250,000 per bank. nmsc had cash balances on deposit at May 31, 2013 and 2012 that exceeded the balance in-sured by the fDic. nmsc has not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes that nmsc is not exposed to any signifi cant credit risk on cash.

Investments are refl ected at fair value based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments. The net gains or losses on the sale of investment securities are computed using the average cost method. Transactions in all securities are recorded on a trade-date basis.

nmsc’s investments are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market and credit risk. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investments, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in values of investments will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the statements of fi nancial position.

Investment income is refl ected net of related portfolio management fees of $267,274 and $257,731 for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Software, equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized and minor replacements and maintenance expenditures are charged to expense. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the remaining lease term. For fi nancial reporting purposes, annual depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Equipment and software are depreciated over fi ve years and furniture is depreciated over 10 years.

nmsc receives grants for scholarships from various sponsors, and the grants are recognized as revenue when the applicable scholarship pay-ments are disbursed. Amounts received in advance of the disbursement of the applicable scholarship payment are recorded as a liability under “sponsor grants received in advance.”

Donor contributions are recognized in the period received. Contributions received with donor-imposed restrictions are recorded as temporarily or permanently restricted revenue dependent on the nature of the restriction.

Pursuant to an agreement with the College Board, nmsc is entitled to receive a percentage of the annual testing fees the College Board collects from the Preliminary sat/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (psat/nmsqt). For fi scal years 2013 and 2012, nmsc chose to waive receipt of these fees, and has effectively donated them back to the College Board as an investment in the exam’s quality and validity, and ensuring the cost per exam is kept to a minimum. These fees are refl ected on the statements of activities as equivalent amounts of test fee revenue and contribution expense. In fi scal years 2013 and 2012, nmsc recorded contribution revenue of $3,959,691 and $5,382,423, respectively, from the College Board to support a signifi cant software and systems renovation, as well as certain ongoing operational services.

nmsc is exempt from income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state law. The accounting standard on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes addresses the determination of whether tax benefi ts claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the fi nancial statements. Under this guidance, nmsc may recognize the tax benefi t from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefi ts recognized in the fi nancial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefi t that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes also addresses de-recognition, classifi cation, interest and penalties on income taxes, and accounting in interim periods.

Management evaluated nmsc’s tax positions for all open tax years and has concluded that nmsc had taken no uncertain tax positions that require adjustment to the fi nancial statements. Generally, nmsc is no longer subject to income tax examinations by the U.S. federal, state, or local tax authorities for years before fi scal year 2010, which is the standard statute of limitations look-back period.

nmsc has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through August 2, 2013, the date the fi nancial statements were available to be issued.

Note 2. Endowment Net AssetsEndowment net assets are comprised of permanently restricted contributions, all of which are invested in perpetuity as required by the donors, and accumulated unspent earnings on those contributions. The endowments are held in a mix of broad based stock and fi xed income funds. The income from these endowments is used to pay for scholarships sponsored by donors in the National Merit Program and the National Achievement Program.

Interpretation of Relevant Law — nmsc’s management has interpreted the Illinois Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (upmifa) as requiring the preservation of the fair value of the original gift as of the gift date of the donor-restricted endowment funds absent explicit donor stipulations to the contrary. As a result of this interpretation, management has classifi ed as permanently restricted net assets

47

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(a) the original value of gifts donated to the permanent endowment, (b) the original value of subsequent gifts to the permanent endowment, and (c) accumulations to the permanent endowment made in accordance with the direction of the applicable donor gift instrument at the time the accumulation is added to the fund. The remaining portion of the donor-restricted endowment fund that is not classifi ed in permanently restricted net assets is classifi ed as temporarily restricted net assets until those amounts are appropriated for expenditure by management in a manner consistent with the standard of prudence prescribed by upmifa. Board-designated endowment funds represent the unspent endow-ment earnings accumulated prior to nmsc’s adoption of upmifa.

In accordance with upmifa, nmsc considers the following factors in making a determination to appropriate or accumulate earnings on donor-restricted endowment funds:

(1) The duration and preservation of the fund; (2) The purpose of the donor-restricted endowment fund; (3) General economic conditions; (4) The possible effect of infl ation and defl ation; (5) The expected total return from income and the appreciation of investments; and (6) The investment policy of nmsc’s endowment fund.

nmsc’s endowment net asset composition at May 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

2013

UnrestrictedTemporarily Restricted

Permanently Restricted Total

Donor-restricted funds $ - $ 1,044,239 $ 3,061,016 $ 4,105,255 Board-designated funds 370,287 - - 370,287

$ 370,287 $ 1,044,239 $ 3,061,016 $ 4,475,542

2012

UnrestrictedTemporarily Restricted


Donor-restricted funds $ - $ 571,843 $ 3,061,016 $ 3,632,859

Board-designated funds 370,287 - - 370,287

$ 370,287 $ 571,843 $ 3,061,016 $ 4,003,146

Endowment net assets are comprised of the following amounts related to the National Merit Program and National Achievement Program at May 31, 2013 and 2012:

2013 2012 National Merit Program $ 3,496,381 $ 3,129,395

National Achievement Program 979,161 873,751$ 4,475,542 $ 4,003,146

48

49

Spending Policy — nmsc has a policy of appropriating expenditures from the endowment fund each year.

Equity 65% 62–68%

Fixed income 35% 30–40%

NormalAllocationAsset Class

Allowable Range

Return Objectives and Risk Parameters — nmsc has adopted endowment investment and spending policies that attempt to provide a predict-able stream of funding to provide scholarships as indicated by the donor while ensuring that the original value of the endowment contributions is preserved. While acknowledging that unfavorable capital market conditions may cause the market value of the endowment fund to fall below the value of the corpus during short-term periods, nmsc intends to at least preserve the value of the corpus over the long-term horizon while experiencing 4.4 percent real annual growth. Actual returns in any given year may vary from this amount.

Strategies Employed for Achieving Objectives — To satisfy its long-term rate-of-return objectives, nmsc determines the overall targetasset allocation for the endowment fund’s total investment portfolio. This determination is based upon a study of the actual rates of re-turn achieved by various asset classes, both separately and in various combinations, over periods in the past. Based on the analysis, nmsc has evaluated the probabilities of achieving acceptable rates of return and defi ned the target asset allocation deemed most ap-propriate for the needs of the endowment fund. Currently the overall target asset allocation for the endowment fund is as follows:

2012

Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted


Balance, beginning of year $ 370,287 $ 961,090 $ 3,061,016 $ 4,392,393

Investment loss, net - (6,100) - (6,100)

Net realized and unrealized loss on investments - (214,642) - (214,642)

Endowment net assets appropriated for expenditure - (168,505) - (168,505)

Balance, end of year $ 370,287 $ 571,843 $ 3,061,016 $ 4,003,146

Changes in endowment assets for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

2013

Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted


Balance, beginning of year $ 370,287 $ 571,843 $ 3,061,016 $ 4,003,146 Investment loss, net - (6,846) - (6,846) Net realized and unrealized gain on investments - 643,992 - 643,992 Endowment net assets appropriated for expenditure - (164,750) - (164,750) Balance, end of year $ 370,287 $ 1,044,239 $ 3,061,016 $ 4,475,542


Note 6. Fair Value DisclosuresInvestments are presented in the fi nancial statements at fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board defi nes fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and sets out a fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the

50

Note 5. Investment Gains and LossesNet realized and unrealized gains and losses for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:

2013 2012 Merit Achievement Total Total

Net unrealized gain at end of year $ 31,371,078 $ 2,899,800 $34,270,878 $ 13,462,143 Net unrealized gain at beginning of year 12,041,307 1,420,836 13,462,143 21,919,009 Net unrealized gain (loss) for the year 19,329,771 1,478,964 20,808,735 (8,456,866) Net realized gain for the year 4,092,753 358,231 4,450,984 4,261,309 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments for the year $ 23,422,524 $ 1,837,195 $25,259,719 $ (4,195,557)

2012Program Services Management

and General Fundraising TotalMerit Achievement Scholarship expense $ 45,440,075 $ 2,384,276 $ - $ - $ 47,824,351 Contribution expense 2,160,208 522,280 - - 2,682,488 Compensation and employee benefi ts 1,645,843 194,012 545,202 348,896 2,733,953 Printing, general offi ce, and depreciation 427,946 105,313 102,072 143,983 779,314 Professional services 3,961,571 670,558 892,008 1,226,900 6,751,037 Rent, maintenance, and amortization of leasehold improvements 224,115 67,234 80,681 76,199 448,229 Advisory Council and Selection Committees 53,357 19,837 - - 73,194 Directors’ meetings and employees’ travel 55,272 12,976 21,742 14,113 104,103

$ 53,968,387 $ 3,976,486 $ 1,641,705 $ 1,810,091 $ 61,396,669

Note 3. Fundraising CostsTotal fundraising costs incurred by nmsc were $1,294,176 and $1,810,091 for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such costs are refl ected in National Merit Program and National Achievement Program operating expenses in the statements of activities.

Note 4. Total nmsc ExpensesTotal nmsc expenses incurred for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012 were allocated as follows:

2013Program Services Management

and General Fundraising TotalMerit Achievement Scholarship expense $ 45,013,206 $ 2,412,701 $ - $ - $ 47,425,907 Contribution expense 2,272,693 401,063 - - 2,673,756 Compensation and employee benefi ts 1,700,294 152,166 611,425 298,743 2,762,628 Printing, general offi ce, and depreciation 795,278 218,633 239,965 273,209 1,527,085 Professional services 2,053,253 341,328 496,411 634,351 3,525,343 Rent, maintenance, and amortization of leasehold improvements 245,996 73,799 88,558 83,639 491,992 Advisory Council and Selection Committees 58,904 18,760 - - 77,664 Directors’ meetings and employees’ travel 15,216 3,798 6,556 4,234 29,804

$ 52,154,840 $ 3,622,248 $ 1,442,915 $ 1,294,176 $ 58,514,179

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Quoted Prices in Active Markets for

Identical AssetsSignifi cant Other Observable Inputs

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for

Identical AssetsSignifi cant Other Observable Inputs

Common and preferred stocks 2013 Total Level 1 Level 2 Large-cap $ 17,592,399 $ 17,592,399 $ - Mid-cap 2,348,979 2,348,979 - Mutual funds U.S. Stock Funds 31,545,311 13,226,912 18,318,399 (a) Global Stock Funds 48,636,998 45,792,266 2,844,732 (b) Fixed Income Funds 46,827,236 20,224,307 26,602,929 (c) Money market funds 9,587,145 9,587,145 -

$ 156,538,068 $ 108,772,008 $ 47,766,060

Common and preferred stocks 2012 Total Level 1 Level 2 Large-cap $ 13,104,374 $ 13,104,374 $ - Mid-cap 1,505,847 1,505,847 - Mutual funds U.S. Stock Funds 31,474,670 11,701,541 19,773,129 (a) Global Stock Funds 42,189,724 39,795,405 2,394,319 (b) Fixed Income Funds 51,960,287 26,236,337 25,723,950 (c) Money market funds 2,892,628 2,892,628 -

$ 143,127,530 $ 95,236,132 $ 47,891,398

The following table summarizes nmsc’s investments accounted for at fair value. The fair values of such investments as defi ned by the fair value hierarchy at May 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:

a) This category includes U.S. securities of large, mid, and small capitalization companies. The fair values of investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value per share of investments. These investments can be redeemed within one business day.

b) This category includes U.S. and non-U.S. securities of large, mid, and small capitalization companies. The fair values of investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value per share of investments. These investments can be redeemed within one business day.

c) This category includes corporate bonds, municipal securities, asset backed securities, and U.S. government and government agency obligations. The fair values of investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value per share of investments. These investments can be redeemed at least monthly.

lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Inputs are broadly defi ned under this guidance as assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under this guidance are described below:

Level 1. Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that nmsc has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2. Inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3. Inputs are unobservable for the asset and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset. The inputs into the determination of fair value are based upon the best information in the circumstances and may require signifi cant management judgment or estimation.

nmsc assesses the levels of the investments at each measurement date, and transfers between levels are recognized on the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. For the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no such transfers.

For the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, the application of valuation techniques applied to similar assets and liabilities has been consistent.

52

Note 8. Commitments for Future Scholarship PaymentsThe obligation for future payments to scholarship recipients presently in college and those appointed and entering college in the fall of 2013 is estimated to be $106,200,000; this includes the National Merit Program, $102,800,000, and the National Achievement Program, $3,400,000. The majority of the total obligation is to be funded by grantors for scholarships they are sponsoring; future payments are covered by agreements between nmsc and such grantors. The portion of the total obligation for scholarships to be paid by nmsc with its own funds is approximately $8,500,000; this includes the National Merit Program, $6,100,000, and the National Achievement Program, $2,400,000.

Note 9. Lease Commitmentsnmsc has a noncancelable lease for offi ce space expiring September 30, 2019. Rent expense for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012 was $418,345 and $407,345, respectively. Minimum rental commitments for each of the fi ve succeeding fi scal years are as follows: $424,493 for 2014; $432,991 for 2015; $441,502 for 2016; $450,019 for 2017; and $404,780 for 2018. Commitments for years after 2018 total $535,934. Future rentals may be adjusted for increases in certain taxes and operating expenses incurred by the lessor.

Note 10. Employee Benefi t Plannmsc maintains a defi ned contribution 403(b) Retirement Plan for its eligible employees who have completed at least one year of service. The total contributed by nmsc was $247,105 and $262,079 for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At the employee’s election, each contribution is made as a premium on an annuity contract or a contribution to a mutual fund custodial account.

Note 7. Property and EquipmentProperty and equipment for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:

2013 2012 Software $ 9,184,552 $ 5,856,876 Equipment 209,640 163,353 Furniture and fi xtures 102,078 125,915 Leasehold improvements 390,349 448,098

9,886,619 6,594,242 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,128,810) (1,048,343)

$ 7,757,809 $ 5,545,899

The provisions for depreciation and amortization amounted to $1,182,940 and $401,747 for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.


DAVID ADNEYPrincipalMinnetonka High SchoolMinnetonka, Minnesota

BRIAN BEGLEYPrincipalMillard North High SchoolOmaha, Nebraska

BARBARA B. BERGMANDirector of College CounselingGeorgetown Day SchoolWashington, District of Columbia

MURRAY W. BROCKMANPresidentSouth Carolina Governor’s School for Science and MathematicsHartsville, South Carolina

ROBERT CELEBREZZEPrincipalMoscow High SchoolMoscow, Idaho

HEIDI FEDOREPrincipalNewport High SchoolBellevue, Washington

ALAN L. FIELDSPrincipalKenai Central High SchoolKenai, Alaska

M. TIMOTHY GOTTDirectorThe Gatton Academy of Mathematics andScience in KentuckyBowling Green, Kentucky

COLLEEN M. HARSINDirectorThe Davidson Academy of NevadaReno, Nevada

ANNE G. JOHNS Director of GuidanceSolon High School Solon, Ohio

SUSAN LINDSAYHead of SchoolJackson Preparatory SchoolJackson, Mississippi

KATHERINE C. PELTZ Director of College CounselingConcord Academy Concord, Massachusetts

LINDA A. RAWLINGSExecutive Director for Secondary SchoolsEanes ISDAustin, Texas

BILLIE WALKERCounselor and AP CoordinatorGeorge Washington High SchoolCharleston, West Virginia

Merit

MYRON ARAKAWADirector of College CounselingPunahou SchoolHonolulu, Hawaii

DAVID J. CHEHEYCounseling ChairBoise High SchoolBoise, Idaho

TONI CORRYDirector of Guidance and CounselingBarrington High SchoolBarrington, Rhode Island

CLINTON EVERHARTAssociate Director of Admissions The University of Kansas

MILDRED R. JOHNSONDirector of Undergraduate AdmissionsVirginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

JULIE A. KERICHDirector of AdmissionFranklin & Marshall College

MARY E. MASLARCollege CounselorCharter School of WilmingtonWilmington, Delaware

W. CRAIG PARTRIDGEDirector of College CounselingThe Adelson Educational CampusLas Vegas, Nevada

BILL P. PINKVice President, Academic AffairsOklahoma State University-Oklahoma City

CHARLENE RENCHERDean of College CounselingCranbrook Kingswood Upper SchoolBloomfield Hills, Michigan

DAVID W. SEAVERAssistant Vice President for Enrollment ManagementTulane University

KEITH SOUTHERGILLDirector of AdmissionsBarrett, The Honors CollegeArizona State University

MARY K. SPIEGELAssociate Provost and Executive Director of Enrollment ServicesUniversity of Alabama

PAUL G. WEAVERDistrict Director of Counseling and GuidancePlano ISDPlano, Texas

Achievement

ANTHONY M. BROOKSDirector of Undergraduate AdmissionsNorth Carolina Central University

JULIE K. ENDERSBESchool CounselorRosemount High SchoolRosemount, Minnesota

TIMOTHY L. FIELDSAssociate Dean of AdmissionEmory University

RHOAN D. GARNETTFormer Assistant Dean of AdmissionsBowdoin College

EVERETT L. JACKSONAssociate Director of AdmissionsUniversity of Nevada, Reno

MICHELLE G. KLEVE Counselor, Department Coordinator Smoky Hill High School Aurora, Colorado

ALLENE P. NIEMIEC Associate Director of College Guidance Saint Andrew’s School Boca Raton, Florida

TERRI JAMES SOLOMONAssociate Director of College CounselingMilton AcademyMilton, Massachusetts

SELECTION COMMITTEES: National Scholarships in 2013

© 2013 National Merit Scholarship Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

ADVISORY COUNCIL: 2012–13

NMSC Mission Statement

The mission of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is to recognize and honor the academically talented students of the United States. NMSC accomplishes its mission by conducting nationwide academic scholarship programs. The enduring goals of NMSC’s scholarship programs are:

• To promote a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular

• To shine a spotlight on brilliant students and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education

• To stimulate increased support from organizations that wish to sponsor scholarships for outstanding scholastic talent

NMSC Lamp of Learning Logo

NMSC’s “Lamp of Learning” logo is modeled after an oil-burning lamp----a classic symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Education fuels the flame that burns from the lamp, which is shown resting on a base that represents the Book of Knowledge. The logo is symbolic of the enduring goals of NMSC’s scholarship programs.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200

Evanston, IL 60201-4897(847) 866-5100

www.nationalmerit.org

®

Annual Report 2013 (National Merit)

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Transcript of Annual Report 2013 (National Merit)