Kossa named Nat'l Merit Scholar

Emily Kossa, valedictorian at Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Hallettsville, has been named a National Merit Scholar.

From approximately 1.5 million students who entered the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2010 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Test (PSAT), only about 16,000 were named semifinalists. They were designated on a state representational basis, in proportion to each state’s percentage of the national total of high school graduating seniors and represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, including the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

In order to advance in the competition and be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, a semifinalist had to become a finalist by fulfilling several requirements that included submitting a detailed scholarship application, an essay, and information about participation and leadership in school and community activities.

Winners of the approximately 8,300 National Merit Scholarships were chosen from the group of approximately15,000 finalists.

Kossa was involved in numerous activities throughout her high school career. As an athlete, she was on the volleyball, basketball, swimming, softball, tennis and track teams. She was drum major her junior and senior years and also placed in the state band competition all four years.

Serving on staff at Camp Lone Star, a Christian summer camp, has been a highlight of Kossa’s summers during high school. She also was a retreat planner and leader at the camp.
A gifted musician, Kossa has played the flute, guitar, piano and organ for various churches.

Kossa will attend Texas A&M University in College Station, majoring in molecular and cell biology.

She is being offered a college-sponsored Merit Scholarship award (National Merit Texas A&M University Scholarship sponsored by Texas A&M).

About 200 colleges and universities currently underwrite approximately 4,800 National Merit Scholarships. Only finalists who plan to attend that college or university can be considered. Winners are chosen by officials of the sponsoring college or university.

Emily is the daughter of Michael and Linda Kossa of LaGrange. She attended St. Rose of Lima School in Schulenburg through eighth grade.