High schoolers across the nation compete each year to be nominated for the National Merit Scholarship. There are 50,000 students recognized and 16,000 out of the 50,000 are named as semifinalists. From the small percentage of the semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship, Milo Weston(12), a Liberty student, is one of them.

The National Merit Scholarship is a national competition that is based on students PSAT scores. The raw PSAT scores correspond to an index that the organization creates, each state holds a different minimum index, Missouri’s index is 217. Weston passed the minimum index with a score of 220.

This score allowed for Weston to be nominated as a semifinalist. Being nominated as a semifinalist has meant a lot to Weston.

“It’s shown me the extent of the work I’ve put into studying and learning,” Weston said.

The work that Weston has put into achieving his goals has been unending. With involvement in several school activities, and late nights spent studying, Weston has worked hard to be recognized for his skills and achievements.

“He has worked so hard academically without much recognition outside of our home,” Tracy Weston, Milo’s mom, said.

Weston’s mom has played a fundamental role in his life. Supporting him in achieving his goals, and helping him to be his best self.

“She’s been with me the full application process for this, and for college,” Milo said. “Without her, I wouldn’t have had the same chance that I have at winning this scholarship.”

Tracy Weston has been there every step of the way for him. When filling out the finalist application, she helped him to recognize his overlooked achievements, characteristics, and ways he has served the community.

She recognizes the work her son has done, and hopes that this award is an example to him of his potential. Her hopes do not stop at this recognition, however, but in a lesson for the rest of his life.

“I hope he [Milo] continues to extend himself and set high goals,” Tracy said.

The finalists for the National Merit Scholarship will not be announced until February. And the odds of becoming a finalist at this point are close to 95 percent, however only half of students named as finalists will receive a scholarship.

While the implications of this finalist status brim with excitement, no matter what, Milo Weston is ready to take this trust in himself wherever he may go. Recognition is a lovely way to be rewarded for one’s efforts, but it is the motivation in one’s self that propels you into the future. And Milo is ready for it.