
By Sara Grace Peacock
One of Dodge County High School’s own seniors has made it one step further into the National Merit Scholarship program. Millie Johnson, who had become a semifinalist in the competition, has now advanced to the final stage.
There are more than 15,000 finalists, and about 8,300 contestants will be winners. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which provides up to $32 million in scholarship money, is in the process of determining the winners, announcing them in the spring.
About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. In order to be eligible for this scholarship, one must take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT), which serves as an initial screen of program entrants.
When asked how she prepared for this test, Johnson states that she had already taken the PSAT and SAT by the time that she was a junior, and by doing so she learned how to better prepare herself. She studied from an official SAT book as well as familiarizing herself with new vocabulary words.
Johnson’s academic achievements include currently holding the position of Salutatorian of the senior class, being nominated for Governor’s Honors, and being on “A” Honor Roll throughout high school.
She also participates in many activities at DCHS such as Student Council, where she is secretary; Anchor Club; Beta Club; One-Act Play; and Principal’s Advisory Council. In addition, Millie is a member of the Bank of Eastman Junior Board.
Johnson enjoys furthering her knowledge and imagination by reading various genres of books.
“All I can really say is that I’m just so honored for this whole opportunity,” she says. “It’s a blessing.”