In September, 16,000 Semifinalists were announced for the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP), and met all the requirements to advance as finalists in the competition. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million, which NMSP will begin mailing scholarships in March.
Gillian Peraza, a senior at Mater Lakes Academy, is one of the 7,500 nationwide finalists and the first ever for her school. Peraza has been a student at Mater Lakes Academy since she was in 6th grade and has been a straight-A student every semester. Peraza is not only a straight-A student but she has received perfect scores in previous years in the statewide assessments.
She is also enrolled in Dual-enrollment courses and is set to graduate with a high school diploma in June as well as with her Associates in Arts from Miami Dade College and Doral College.
The Mater Lakes Academy faculty and staff congratulated Peraza on this accomplishment.
“Gillian is the type of student that there is no limit in the sky for her. She has a thirst for knowledge that you can give her any challenge and she will rise to the occasion. She definitely has the mark of excellence. Gillian is a good one,” said school principal Rene Rovirosa.
“In her comments and questions in her classes she is very poised and humble. She is too humble,” said Susette Couso, Social Studies teacher.
“I am elated,” said Peraza. “The people that I have met and the teachers at Mater Lakes have helped further my education and have contributed to my learning environment. I appreciate the principal’s support throughout this process. He has been so enthusiastic and seems more excited than me at times.”