13 seniors named National Merit Semifinalists
Thirteen Upper Arlington High School students have qualified as Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, giving them the opportunity to compete for approximately 7,250 National Merit college scholarships worth nearly $28 million.
These academically talented members of the UAHS Class of 2023 are among approximately 16,000 high school seniors nationwide to qualify as Semifinalists based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The Semifinalists represent the highest scores on the PSAT/NMSQT and less than 1 percent of high school seniors nationwide.
The Upper Arlington students named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists are:
John B.
Riddhi G.
Annie H.
Liam M.
Ruchika R.
Rahul R.
Nathan R.
Ethan S.
Alana S.
Benjamin S.
Sanay T.
James U.
Caroline W.
Beginning in February, the National Merit Scholarship program expects to notify about 15,000 Semifinalists that they advanced to Finalist status after fulfilling several requirements, including having a record of a high academic achievement in grades nine through 12 and earning a high score on the SAT or ACT. Approximately half of the Finalists will be awarded National Merit Scholarships and the Merit Scholar title.
3 juniors receive national academic honors
Three Upper Arlington High School juniors have been selected as College Board National Recognition Program honorees.
Receiving honors this year from Upper Arlington High School are:
Ali A., National African American Recognition Award
Jachin O., National Hispanic Recognition Award
Sienna M., National Hispanic Recognition Award
The College Board offers these national recognition awards to honor academic excellence among underrepresented populations. Students are considered for these awards based on academic achievements in school and outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and/or at least two Advanced Placement exams.
13 students selected for All-State ensembles
Thirteen Upper Arlington High School students have been selected among the best of the best in the performing arts in the state of Ohio for the Ohio All-State Ensembles for 2023.
All-State Choir: seniors Sydney B., Patrick B., Adam C., KK M., Alana S. and Miriam S., with senior Avery P. selected as an alternate
All-State Orchestra: senior Lucy C., junior Wendy J. and senior David M., with junior Wil R. and senior Taylor S. as alternates
All-State Band: senior Tyler H. selected as an alternate
Additionally, the five students selected for All-State Orchestra will also be performing with the Ohio Music Education Association’s South-Central All-Region Orchestra (pictured). Joining them from UAHS will be: seniors Susie H. and Miriam S., and juniors Thomas C., Matthew L., Jachin O. and Sally O.
Athletic Hall of Fame to honor 12 inductees
The Upper Arlington High School Athletic Hall of Fame will welcome 12 new inductees who have made outstanding contributions to the impressive history of the school’s athletic program.
Cathleen (Pugh) Aschinger (Class of 1980), swimming
Jax "Mo" Black (Class of 1992), track and field and gymnastics
Bill Cook (Class of 1957), basketball and baseball
Paul W. “Pete” Corey, retired football coach
Dan Donovan, a friend of the program and an Upper Arlington Schools retiree
Steve Dusseau (Class of 1998), lacrosse
Bob Jencks (Class of 1959), football and basketball
Dan Sebastian, retired tennis coach and Class of 1960 graduate
Sam Sebastian (Class of 1989), tennis
Tom Saunders (Class of 1964), wrestling
Sarah (Fortier) Wall (Class of 2002), soccer
Artie Wolfe (Class of 1958), swimming
These individuals will be recognized in January at the high school, with an introduction before the 7:30 p.m. start of the varsity boys basketball game against Dublin Coffman High School on January 6. They will then be honored at a ceremony on January 7.
The Upper Arlington High School Athletic Hall of Fame is continuing to honor achievements of the 148 state championship teams, all automatically entered into the Hall of Champions within the Hall of Fame. The ceremony in January will recognize the state championship teams from 2000 through 2009.
Learn more about the eligibility guidelines and submit a nomination for the Upper Arlington High School Athletic Hall of Fame at www.uaschools.org/uahsathletics.
Informal Program celebrates 50 years
The Upper Arlington Schools Informal Program, offered at Barrington and Wickliffe elementary schools, is celebrating 50 years of education. All are invited to join the Barrington and Wickliffe school communities for celebratory open houses.
Barrington Elementary School, 1780 Barrington Road — November 2 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School, 2405 Wickliffe Road — November 3 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Please visit www.uaschools.org/InformalTurns50.aspx for more details.
Community invited to the Longest Table
The Longest Table is a collaborative effort of the Upper Arlington Schools, Upper Arlington Education Foundation (UA+Ed) and the City of Upper Arlington. Funded by UA+Ed and the City of Upper Arlington, this event will bring together students, parents/guardians, staff and community members of diverse backgrounds and points of view for a shared meal to celebrate our unique stories. Guests will have the opportunity to meet new people, engage in guided conversation that encourages understanding and respect, and listen to and learn from different perspectives in our community.
The Longest Table will take place on November 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Upper Arlington High School, 1625 Zollinger Road. Registration is required, and space is limited. Please visit www.uaschools.org/longesttable.aspx for more information.