Matt Brawner (’17) was selected as a finalist in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. He represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, and has the opportunity to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $33 million.

Merit Scholars are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Matt is a picture-perfect Merit Scholar. He is involved in marching band, symphonic band, jazz band, Scholar Bowl and is a member of National Honor Society. Matt scored a 35 on the ACT, he is enrolled in six AP classes, maintains a 4.51 GPA and is ranked first in his class. He also attended Missouri Scholars Academy and Missouri Boys State. Matt received the U.S. Air Force Certificate of Achievement Award and he earned fourth place for his project in the Tri-County Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

It is definitely not easy to receive this recognition. “You obviously have to take the PSAT, but don’t freak out about it and go in not expecting to get it,” said Matt.

If you are interested in getting this award, Matt said that it is important to pick classes that interest you, and the classes he picked happened to be tougher than average. Matt also said  “Don’t seek out the recognition.”

Matt is quite humble about his achievements. “It’s an honor, but I also feel like I didn’t do a whole lot to earn this. I know a lot of people in this school who [are] just as deserving of this award,” said Matt.

Congratulations to Matt for representing Holt and receiving this honor!