ACLC Student Commended by National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program recently announced that Fiona Blackburn, a senior student at the Alameda Community Learning Center
(ACLC) has been named a ‘Commended Student’ in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program.

"I was really surprised when I received this award; it's an honor to be recognized by the National Merit Program,” said Blackburn.

No one at ACLC is surprised by Blackburn’s recognition for academic excellence.

Blackburn, who is also a co-chair of student Leadership at ACLC, has always been a high achiever, completing many college classes while still in high school as well as countless hours of community service.

“Fiona is a student that really stands out,” said ACLC Lead Facilitator, David Hoopes. “Her accomplishments and friendly can-do attitude inspires other kids to do their best and get involved. This is a well-deserved recognition of her talent.”

This year, about 34,000 Commended Students are being recognized for their “exceptional academic promise” and will be presented a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

Commended Students place among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary
SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“Recognizing academically talented students plays a fundamental role in the
advancement of educational excellence,” commented a National Merit Program spokesperson.

“The young people recognized as Commended Students represent some of the best and brightest minds in the country as demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program.”