Ellie Armstrong, a current senior at Huntley High School, has been selected as a winner of the National Merit® National Distillers Distributors Foundation Scholarship. Armstrong has been selected to receive this award out of a pool of approximately 16,000 National Merit® semifinalists nationwide.
Students selected for merit scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation® (NMSC) must display an outstanding academic record throughout high school, earn SAT scores that confirm the earlier performance on the qualifying test, and demonstrate leadership and participation in school and community activities.
During her time at Huntley High School, Armstrong has been involved as Editor in Chief of the student newspaper, The Voice, taken a wide variety of Advanced Placement courses and has found a passion for Spanish, which she plans to minor in during her undergraduate career.
“I would tell my younger self to try as many new clubs or activities as possible, because by doing that I’ve met some of my best friends and found out new things about myself,” said Armstrong.
She credits several teachers at HHS, including Mr. Brown, Mrs. Drozt and Mr. Scott, with impacting her high school career in positive ways through their passion, kindness and energetic teaching style. While she has not yet decided on which college she plan to attend, Armstrong has a clear idea of what she will study after graduation.
“I plan on majoring in political science, public policy analysis, or international relations depending on the school and program,” said Armstrong. “In the future, I want to pursue a career in humanitarian aid and relief through diplomacy, so I intend on getting a human rights certificate along with my major.”
This spring, students who have been named finalists will compete for the three types of Merit Scholarships: 2,500 National Merit $2,500 scholarships; 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships from 220 corporations and business organizations, and 4,000 scholarships sponsored by 180 colleges for students who attend their institution.
When asked what she will miss the most about Huntley High School and her experience in Huntley 158, Armstrong said she will miss all of the great teachers she’s had, the community she has found at The Voice and Friday night football games.
