Area students are semi-finalists for merit scholarship

Five Walled Lake Consolidated School District students have qualified as semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

The program, which has existed since 1955, is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. High school students may enter by taking the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The test typically screens about 1.5 million entrants to the program each year. Applicants must also meet academic and participation requirements set forth by the program.

The school district has announced that National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists from the district this year include:

• Brooke Feinstein, of Walled Lake Central. Feinstein is a member of the National Honor Society and the Temple Shir Shalom Youth Group. She has been a student-athlete on the Walled Lake Central Swim Team and Ski Team. Feinstein plans on applying to Stanford University. She hopes to major in biology or psychology.

• Christine Konicki, of Walled Lake Northern. Konicki is a member of the National Honor Society and the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony. She has served as president of the school’s Spanish Club and chairperson for elementary school tutoring for the Interact Club. Konicki plans to major in materials science and engineering at a research university next fall.

• Christina “Caroline” Malmgren, of Walled Lake Central. Malmgren is a member of the National Honor Society, her school’s varsity tennis team and the Spanish Club. She plans on majoring in pre-med biology and chemistry.

• Alexander Spiess, of Walled Lake Western. Spiess is a member of the National Honor Society, the captain of the varsity tennis team and plans on majoring in business.

• Sandeep Siva of Walled Lake Central. Siva is a student representative for the PTSA and a member of Central’s varsity tennis team. He also tutors middle school and high school students. He plans on pursuing a degree in engineering.