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October 16, 2009

Making the grade: Student named as semifinalist for National Achievement program

By Andrea Steere

news@joplinglobe.com

Steffan Triplett, a senior at Joplin High School, was recently notified that he is a semifinalist for the National Achievement Scholarship Program.

The news was a surprise for Triplett, but no less exciting.

“I was happy and proud of myself and thankful that I did well,” Triplett said. “When I took it (the PSAT) I thought I probably didn’t do very well.”

To qualify for National Merit Scholarship Corporation programs, like the National Achievement Program, juniors in high school take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT). The National Achievement Program is to provide recognition for outstanding black American high-school students.

More than 160,000 students enter the National Achievement Program each year, according to the National Merit Corporation. But only about 1,600 of these students qualify as semifinalists.

“(The PSAT) was definitely difficult, but I had practice. I had taken it before for practice,” Triplett said.

Joplin High School has been participating in the National Merit and Achievement Programs since 1964.

The last student from JHS to be a National Achievement semifinalist was Kristen Eck in 1994, according to a press release from the National Achievement program.

Triplett is active in many extracurricular activities. He is president of Joplin High School’s student council, secretary for Future Business Leaders of America, historian for the National Honor Society, leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a tennis player.

“I really like being a part of all of these organizations because I learn a bunch of different aspects of leadership,” Triplett said.

But all of these leadership positions and high scores have not inflated Triplett’s ego.

“It’s kind of surprising. I don’t feel like I’m extraordinary or anything,” said Triplett.

Triplett plans to study psychology in college.

“I really value friends and family, and I like talking with people. I’m also interested in the mind and emotions,” Triplett said.

He said he is unsure which college he would like to attend, but has a few places in mind.

“I just visited Washington University in St. Louis. The first day it was raining, but the second day it was really nice,” Triplett said.

But Washington University’s tuition is about $37,800 a year, not including other college fees.

If Triplett is named one of the 1,300 National Achievement finalists, he will have the chance to go on to win a scholarship.

In late February 2010, about 800 finalists will be notified that they have been selected to receive a scholarship. Seven hundred of these finalists will receive a $2,500 scholarship. Others will receive scholarships from corporations or organizations based on their intended major in college.

“If I win a scholarship I’ll be happy because it will definitely help (with college expenses),” Triplett said. “But I’m happy that I have gotten this far.”

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