Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth
This afternoon our kula kiʻekiʻe officially congratulated senior Xander Calicdan on his recognition as a National Merit Finalist! And, thanks to a stop by from his counselor Ms. Mehau, he received lei and plaques commemorating this significant achievement.
Xander earned this incredible distinction through his performance on the PSAT during his junior year. This recognition places him in the top 15,000 students across the nation(and the top 0.1% of students who took the test). On Monday afternoon, Kamehameha Hawaiʻi school leaders and counselors held a Zoom with Xander and his ʻohana to make it official.
Xander becomes just the third haumāna in Kamehameha Hawaiʻi history to earn the National Merit Finalist distinction. As a finalist, Xander, who was also admitted to Yale earlier this year, now qualifies for a number of National Board scholarships! Xander also received two academic achievement awards as an Indigenous scholar and a Hispanic scholar.
Hoʻomaikaʻi Xander on this well-deserved and well-earned honor! We are so proud of you!
Xander with his ʻohana display the three plaques he earned through his hard work and exceptional talent.
Xander's counselor, Ms. Jo-Lyn Mehau, delivered lei and the plaques celebrating Xander's accomplishments.
TAGS
ks hawaii,academic achievement,class of 2021,lonomakaihe,keaau campus
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Kaipuolono Article, Hawaii Newsroom, KS Hawaii Home, Hawaii High School, Newsroom, Campus Programs, Hawaii, Hawaii campus
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