GISH Senior Named National Merit Semi-Finalist

Diana Stephenson is proof that hard work and challenging yourself pays off.

The senior at Grand Island Senior High (GISH) is in the Healthcare Pathway in the Academy of Medical Sciences, and was recently named a semi-finalist in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. This high distinction places Stephenson among the top academic students in the entire country.

The National Merit Scholarship program identifies and honors the nation's most academically talented high school students. As Diana explained, the process begins early.

"Out of everyone in the country, it’s these people [the National Merit candidates] who did the best in academics," Stephenson noted. 

According to the National Merit website, less than one percent of the nation’s high school graduating seniors qualify as Semifinalists.

The process is multi-layered. To be considered for the program, Diana submitted a detailed application last year, complete with her high scores and performance on the SAT or ACT, academic record, and involvement in extracurricular activities. 

While the preparation for this academic standard spans years, as Diana developed healthy study habits early on, the semi-finalist news affirmed her hard work. 

"In a way, it is a verification that I did really well," she said. 

As a unique student at GISH with this rare distinction, Diana said one habit that has helped her academic journey is knowing how to take good notes. 

"Write stuff down, either with a paper and pencil or typed up. Doesn't really matter, just whichever you can get yourself to do the most,” Diana said, adding that good note-taking helps with retaining and processing her learning.

As a national merit semi-finalist, Diana is one of the top students in her school and country – but what does she plan to do with her intelligence and hard work ethic?

Her academic focus is leading her down a highly technical and critical career path.

"I want to ultimately become a medical physicist," Diana stated.

Like her dad who is a medical physicist, Diana wants to work on treatment plans for cancer using radiation. As a medical physicist, she would calibrate the machines so other medical professionals can deliver the right amounts of radiation to patients in the right places, and at the right times.

In addition to her dad being in the field, Diana is also interested in the career path because of her interest in math and science.

"I really like math, and physics is the most math that’s like science," she added.

Her time in the GISH Academy of Medical Science’s healthcare pathway has further solidified her goal. She credits classes like Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology with helping to confirm that she is on the right track.

The National Merit program could be transformative for her college plans and future, allowing her an opportunity to earn scholarships toward her college tuition. 

The program will announce Finalists later in the school year, as the whole process takes about 18 months.

Until she hears more, Diana is happy about her academic success so far as a Semifinalist.

“I’m pretty proud of myself,” Diana said.

We’re pretty proud of you, too, Diana. Way to represent Grand Island Senior High – we know you’ll find future success no matter what!