4 area seniors named National Merit scholars

staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Four area high school seniors have been named winners of National Merit Scholarships offered by specific colleges and universities.

All of the recipients are finalists in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship program.

The awards range from $500 to $2,000 a year for up to four years of undergraduate study.

To reach the rank of finalist, students must have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed by a school official and have earned high SAT scores.

Approximately 8,200 high school seniors across the country will receive National Merit Scholarships worth $36 million this year.

The local recipients of the college-sponsored aid are:

Abigail J. Dawson of Boardman, a senior at Boardman High School: Probable career field – psychology. National Merit Case Western Reserve University Scholarship.

Grace O. Sauline of Girard, a senior at Ursuline High School: Probable career field – civil engineering. National Merit Case Western Reserve University Scholarship.

Patrick J. Slatterly of Lowellville, a senior at Poland Seminary High School: Probable career field – engineering. National Merit Ohio State University Scholarship.

Maureen P. Sweet of Warren, a senior at Warren G. Harding High School: Probable career field – international relations. National Merit Fordham University, New York City, Scholarship.