The National Merit Scholarship is a prestigious academic competition. While most students don’t even attempt it, GRC’s Jones Howard qualified as a semifinalist, one of only 16,000 in the nation.

We visited with Jones recently to get his thoughts on this outstanding honor.

Q: What does it mean to be chosen for the National Merit Semifinalist?

A: “It means a lot. I took the PSAT my sophomore and junior year. My mom made me take it both years, but I put in a lot of effort to get the score I needed to qualify.”

Q: What kind of opportunities do you get when offered this scholarship?

A: “Alabama offers a full ride plus the stipend, but almost everywhere you can get at least a little bit of money for being a National Merit.”

Q: What are your future plans?

A: “Right now I’m looking at either going to Alabama or Louisville. Alabama has a really good scholarship for the PSAT. It’s a full ride plus a housing stipend, so it would be really cool if I could get that.”

Q: Was there one person specifically who has guided you through your academic journey?

A: “Yeah, my mom. She’s a counselor at another high school, so she knows what she’s talking about in scheduling and different tests to take. She’s the reason I took the test in the first place and why I’m even in the position at all.”

Q: What was the most challenging part to achieving the National Merit?

A: “The test itself was the hardest part for me. You have one try to get the score you want, so it’s more the pressure of it. It’s just a standard test, but it was the only one I have ever really had to study for.”

Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to achieve academic success?

A: “Well, I would say listen in class, study as much as you can, and just give effort. If you put effort into anything, you’re going to be successful.”

Jones Howard is an exceptional student, setting high standards for the student body.

From the way his work ethic plays out, it’s no surprise he was able to achieve this incredible honor.