Schools

Updated: Whiz Kids: Susan Francino, Daniel Willard and Kelly Cotton

The Seneca Valley students are named finalists by National Merit Scholarship Corp.

Susan Francino, Daniel Willard and Kelly Cotton all were celebrated as Patch Whiz Kids in February after they were named finalists in the Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. All three students have since earned the title of National Merit Scholars. 

"We are so excited and hopeful for all of them," said Sharon Shoaf, Kelly's mom.

Below is the orginal article on the Whiz Kids' accomplishments. If you know of Whiz Kid who you think should be featured on the site, email editor Jessica Sinichak at jessica.sinichak@patch.com.

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Congratulations!

Names: Susan Francino, Daniel Willard and Kelly Cotton

Find out what's happening in Cranberrywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Grades: 12th

School: Seneca Valley Senior High School

Whiz Kid Accomplishments: These three were named finalists in the 56th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Whiz Kid Key to Awesomeness: These talented high school seniors are so academically gifted they qualify to compete for a National Merit Scholarship. About 8,400 scholarships worth more than $36 million will be offered this spring.

To become a finalist, a student must have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by the high school principal, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. Also required are a detailed scholarship application that includes the student’s essay and information about participation and leadership in school and community activities.

Kelly, 17, said being named a finalist has given her more opportunities as she searches for the right college.

"I feel that this honor will encourage me to always do my best during my academic career," she said. "I am also very proud to share this experience with my two good friends and wish them the best."

Music lover Dan, 18 -- who also is a pianist for Seneca's Jazz Ensemble 1, the drum major for the marching band, and the tenor section leader of the Seneca Valley Madrigals -- said being named a National Merit finalist is a huge honor for him as well.

Once he chooses a college, he plans to study chemical engineering with a focus on alternative fuels.

"It is a prestigious award which I am proud to be associated with, and I believe it will aid me in attending one of three colleges -- Villanova University, Bucknell University, or Miami University of Ohio -- so that I can study chemical engineering and make a positive impact in the world," he said.

Susan, 18, an oboe player who played a side-by-side performance with the prestigious New York Pops orchestra at Carnegie Musica Hall, said she was proud to be named a Merit finalist.

"I’m very honored, of course, I’m glad for the scholarship opportunity," she said. "I think it’s a good competition. Everyone really is on an even plane when they take the PSAT."

An accomplished dancer who has taken lessons at the Wexford Dance Academy since she was 3-year-old, Susan has applied to 13 colleges. She hopes to attend Williams College in Massachusetts in the fall.

Know of a Whiz Kid? Send us your suggestion by telling us in the comments, or e-mail Jessica.Sinichak@patch.com


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