Lanier High School - Largus Yearbook (Bessemer, AL)

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Pam Williams National Merit Finalist National Merit Finalist for Black Students My name is Pamela Williams; I am 18 years old and a senior at jess Lanier. Recently I learned that I am a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship and the Achievement Scholarship Competitions. Let me explain what this means. In the spring of their junior year, about a million high school students across the country take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). This test is used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as a qualifying test in the scholarship competition that they sponsor each year. There are two seperate competitions. The merit scholarship is open to all students and the Achievement Scholarship which is only open to black students. The Corporation examines all the test scores and names the 1,500 highest scores in each state Semifinalists. The semifinalists must then submit an application which contains a personal essay, grades from all four years in high school, a list of honors and activities, a recommendation from guidance counselor or teacher, and a recommendation from the principal. The applications are reviewed by a committee which judges test scores, personal essay, grades and recommendations. Finalists are announced in letters to the principal of the school. Although being named a finalist is a great honor, the real reward comes when you receive the scholarship. 174

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lunior girls in group fudging. Pageant Highlights Pat Self during top 5 judging with Jeanette Smallwood. Connie Brown introduces herself to judges and audience. Sophomore girls in group judging. First alternate named and greeted by last years winner. Shea Tindie in individual competition at mike. 173

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1985-86 Senior Class Office rs fUquel Rancher — President Altherias Warmley Vice President Cheryl BeveHe Secretary Darlene Moore — 7reasurer Pam Hood — Chaplain