AWM’s Skjefte named National Merit Semifinalist

AWM’s Skjefte named National Merit Semifinalist

West Memphis senior in the spotlinght for academic prowess

WM School District For the second time in the last five years the Academies of West Memphis has a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist.

AWM senior Michael Skjefte was given the news he made the semifinals of the prestigious academic honor last week. He joins Buzz Hardin, who made the semifinals in 2014 and went on to be names a National Merit Scholar.

'It was a difficult process,' said the soft-spoken Skjefte. 'It was like every other standardized test. I did not prepare for it.'

Skjefte took the PSAT last year and he landed one of the highest scores in Arkansas, which qualified him for the National Merit program. Approximately 1,600 students across the nation made the semifinals.

Skjefte is the only student from Crittenden County who made National Merit semifinals.

'I was surprised when I found out,' Skjefte commented. 'I was excited and glad when I found out too.

(AWM senior guidance counselor Latarsha) Johnson gave me the news and it just made my day.'

Johnson said, 'It was a thrill to be able to tell Michael. I wasn't sure if he'd gotten something in the mail to tell him, so I just kind of tip-toed up to him and told him. Now it's on to the next few steps.'

The next step for Skjefte to reach the finals will be to get a qualifying score on the SAT. There will also be much biographical information Skjefte will have to submit before he takes the SAT. Johnson also said she will be submitting academic background information on the application.

Skjefte said he will take the SAT in November or December and results will not be known until around February of 2019, according to Johnson.

Skjefte also said he is considering furthering his education at the University of Arkansas, where he says the institution offers a $40,000 scholarship for National Merit finalists.

'I want to aim high,' he said. 'I may also consider some schools up north.'

Skjefte said he wants to major in either engineering or finance, and then to earn his MBA.

'We're excited,' Johnson added. 'It's been a few years since we had someone make it to this levels.

We've had several students who have come close. They end up being recognized as a commending student, coming just a few points short of making the National Merit semifinals.

We're excited about the opportunity for Michael to get scholarships that come along with being a finalist.

It makes a big difference when it comes to applications. We're ready to do all that we need to do on our end to support Michael in his endeavors.'

By Billy Woods