• HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Board of Education >
      • Meet the Board/Board Policies
      • State Board Member of the Year >
        • State Board Member of the Year Blog
      • District Committees
      • Board Resolutions
      • Meetings and Agendas >
        • Written Public Comments
      • Board Meeting Videos
      • Board Highlights
      • City and MUSD Communications Subcommittee
    • Superintendent >
      • Superintendent Blog
    • District Calendar
    • District News >
      • Press
      • School LIFE E-Newsletter
    • Contact Us >
      • Public Records Request
    • Bond + Construction >
      • Bond Measure AA Construction Updates
      • Bond Measure E
      • Measure B 1996 GO Bond
      • Current Bids
      • Developer Fees
      • New Elementary School
      • State Matching Funds
      • CBOC Meetings & Agendas
    • Measure E Parcel Tax >
      • Parcel Tax Renewal
    • Measure C Parcel Tax Oversight Committee
    • MUSD Video Series'
    • MUSD Priorities and Mission
    • Policies + Procedures >
      • Bullying
      • Handbooks
      • Formal Complaint
      • Title IX and Gender Equity
      • Website Accessibility
    • ACADEMICS >
      • Programs >
        • Independent Study Program
        • Math Program
        • Music Program
        • Pathway to Career
        • Personalized Learning
        • Title I
      • AB 104
      • Assessments
      • CalSCHLS Survey
      • Common Core Standards
      • LCAP
      • MUSD & SJECCD Joint Use Program
      • Transitioning Grades
    • Federal Programs
  • ENROLLMENT
    • District Boundary Map
    • District Transfers
    • Dual Immersion
    • Find Your School
    • Handbooks
    • New Student Enrollment
    • Yearly Registration
  • DISTRICT TEAMS
    • Human Relations >
      • Human Relations- Join Our Team
      • Careers / Housing Opportunities
      • Certificated Employees
      • Classified Employees
      • Management Employees
      • Mental Health Resources (Staff)
      • New Teacher Induction
      • Workers Comp
    • Business Services >
      • Meet Our Team
      • Payroll and Benefits
      • Facility Rental
    • Learning & Development
    • Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation
    • Student Nutritional Services
    • Technology
    • Organization Charts
    • Staff Resources
  • SCHOOLS
    • Child Dev. Center
    • Elementary >
      • Burnett
      • Curtner
      • Mattos
      • Pomeroy
      • Randall
      • Rose
      • Sinnott
      • Spangler
      • Weller
      • Zanker
    • Middle >
      • Rancho
      • Russell
    • High >
      • Calaveras Hills
      • Milpitas
      • Milpitas Middle College High School
    • Adult Education
    • EducatEveryWhere Virtual Pathways Program
    • MetroED
    • SARC Reports
    • SPSAs
  • GET INVOLVED
    • AASC
    • Attendance
    • MUSD Innovation Campus Campaign
    • CBAC
    • DELAC
    • Digital Citizenship
    • Immigration Support
    • Mental Health Resources
    • Milpitas Elementary Olympics
    • MUSD Alliance Partners
    • MUSD Culture of WE Equity Team
    • Project Cornerstone
    • PTA | Milpitas Council
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • COVID-19
    • Resources (COVID-19)
    • Teacher and Student Highlights (COVID-19) >
      • Gradspiration
    • Other Emergencies
  • Let's Chat
MILPITAS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Board of Education >
      • Meet the Board/Board Policies
      • State Board Member of the Year >
        • State Board Member of the Year Blog
      • District Committees
      • Board Resolutions
      • Meetings and Agendas >
        • Written Public Comments
      • Board Meeting Videos
      • Board Highlights
      • City and MUSD Communications Subcommittee
    • Superintendent >
      • Superintendent Blog
    • District Calendar
    • District News >
      • Press
      • School LIFE E-Newsletter
    • Contact Us >
      • Public Records Request
    • Bond + Construction >
      • Bond Measure AA Construction Updates
      • Bond Measure E
      • Measure B 1996 GO Bond
      • Current Bids
      • Developer Fees
      • New Elementary School
      • State Matching Funds
      • CBOC Meetings & Agendas
    • Measure E Parcel Tax >
      • Parcel Tax Renewal
    • Measure C Parcel Tax Oversight Committee
    • MUSD Video Series'
    • MUSD Priorities and Mission
    • Policies + Procedures >
      • Bullying
      • Handbooks
      • Formal Complaint
      • Title IX and Gender Equity
      • Website Accessibility
    • ACADEMICS >
      • Programs >
        • Independent Study Program
        • Math Program
        • Music Program
        • Pathway to Career
        • Personalized Learning
        • Title I
      • AB 104
      • Assessments
      • CalSCHLS Survey
      • Common Core Standards
      • LCAP
      • MUSD & SJECCD Joint Use Program
      • Transitioning Grades
    • Federal Programs
  • ENROLLMENT
    • District Boundary Map
    • District Transfers
    • Dual Immersion
    • Find Your School
    • Handbooks
    • New Student Enrollment
    • Yearly Registration
  • DISTRICT TEAMS
    • Human Relations >
      • Human Relations- Join Our Team
      • Careers / Housing Opportunities
      • Certificated Employees
      • Classified Employees
      • Management Employees
      • Mental Health Resources (Staff)
      • New Teacher Induction
      • Workers Comp
    • Business Services >
      • Meet Our Team
      • Payroll and Benefits
      • Facility Rental
    • Learning & Development
    • Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation
    • Student Nutritional Services
    • Technology
    • Organization Charts
    • Staff Resources
  • SCHOOLS
    • Child Dev. Center
    • Elementary >
      • Burnett
      • Curtner
      • Mattos
      • Pomeroy
      • Randall
      • Rose
      • Sinnott
      • Spangler
      • Weller
      • Zanker
    • Middle >
      • Rancho
      • Russell
    • High >
      • Calaveras Hills
      • Milpitas
      • Milpitas Middle College High School
    • Adult Education
    • EducatEveryWhere Virtual Pathways Program
    • MetroED
    • SARC Reports
    • SPSAs
  • GET INVOLVED
    • AASC
    • Attendance
    • MUSD Innovation Campus Campaign
    • CBAC
    • DELAC
    • Digital Citizenship
    • Immigration Support
    • Mental Health Resources
    • Milpitas Elementary Olympics
    • MUSD Alliance Partners
    • MUSD Culture of WE Equity Team
    • Project Cornerstone
    • PTA | Milpitas Council
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • COVID-19
    • Resources (COVID-19)
    • Teacher and Student Highlights (COVID-19) >
      • Gradspiration
    • Other Emergencies
  • Let's Chat

Meet our amazing 2023 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists

10/12/2022

 
Picture
Picture
Student Name: Natalie Chen

Age: 17

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
To me, being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist is proof that my efforts throughout high school have paid off. It also serves as motivation to continue working hard to become a finalist. 

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
I am very thankful for the support that my parents have given me to pursue educational and extracurricular opportunities. They have always encouraged me to decide my own path, and I think that freedom contributed to my success. 

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subject is statistics. The lessons from this class improved my critical thinking skills and allowed me to interpret data, which is crucial for the major I picked. 
​

What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I am applying to many schools, both in and out of California, but I would love to attend a school with great academic resources and welcoming people.


Picture
Student Name: Tiffany Lieu

Age: 17​

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
I was a bit surprised to hear that I had been named a Semifinalist, but I am grateful to receive this recognition of my hard work. Beyond the possibility of earning a scholarship, I am honored to get the opportunity to make my family proud. 
 
What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
While I primarily motivate myself, it is often my peers that inspire me. People my age from MHS and around the world do incredible things, and they constantly push me to rethink the bounds of what is possible. 
 
What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
Language is my favorite subject! I love learning different languages because I believe the ability to communicate across languages is the best way to connect with other people. All languages carry a lot of history, and I think it's important to continue these legacies into the future.  
 
What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I am not currently set on a specific college. Though, I would love to further my education at a high-ranking university in California, so that I won't ever get too homesick.


Picture
Student Name: Afnaan Waqas

Age: 17​

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
Being named a semifinalist is really exciting for me since all the hard work I've been putting in my academics is finally paying off. I'm really happy to have the opportunity to compete for a national merit scholarship.
 
What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
Growing up, my parents always pushed me to do my best in everything I do and it's just become a habit of mine to chase perfection.
 
What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subject in school so far would definitely be calculus. I'm a huge math geek and the things I learned in that class keep popping up in many of my other classes like chemistry and physics.
 
What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I'd like to attend a prestigious UC school and study aerospace engineering. I wouldn't mind getting into Stanford, either.


Picture
Student Name: Brandon Wong

Age: 17
​

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
Being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist means I can become a finalist and get the scholarship.

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
My parents, friends, and teachers motivate me to succeed at such a high level. I feel responsible for meeting their expectations and performing at my best.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subject in school is Physics due to the structured nature it gives to the world and our interactions with it. Additionally, it is easy for me to see the practical applications of Physics in real-world projects.

What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I am considering a few UCs and private colleges (in and out of state). I am looking for a school with a strong engineering program that emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning.


Picture
Student Name: Riya Vyas

Age: 17

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
Being a semifinalist means that my intensive studying paid off and prepared me well for my  academic future. Hopefully, it means my education throughout my life has allowed me to build a foundation of knowledge that I can continue to grow in college.

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
My mom inspires me to work hard for the causes I am passionate about. She sets an example of someone who can balance a career and a family and face life’s hardships with grace and determination. She always supports me with empathy and understanding through thick and thin.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
English has been my favorite subject ever since I learned to read—I love picking up a book and escaping into others’ minds, discovering fresh perspectives and novel social commentaries. I also enjoy expressing myself through writing, as it allows clear and creative communication.  

What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I want to attend a liberal arts college, because I want to major in sociology & political science as an undergraduate and later go to law school. I love the idea of going to the east coast, but also enjoy California’s culture and don’t want to stray too far from home.


Comments are closed.
    NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING:
    The governing board of Milpitas Unified School District will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. 

    Media Resources

    Press
    ​Campus Connections

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    May 2015
    September 2014

    Categories

    All
    Event
    Media & News
    News
    Public Hearing

    RSS Feed

Picture

Milpitas Unified School District
1331 E. Calaveras Blvd. 
Milpitas, CA 95035
408.635.2600

​Staff Resources 
Join Us 
Contact Us 
​​Feedback?
​Non-Discrimination Policy
Title IX    
Accessibility 
​Copyright © 2020 Milpitas Unified School District
​Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Photo used under Creative Commons from Jeffrey
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Board of Education >
      • Meet the Board/Board Policies
      • State Board Member of the Year >
        • State Board Member of the Year Blog
      • District Committees
      • Board Resolutions
      • Meetings and Agendas >
        • Written Public Comments
      • Board Meeting Videos
      • Board Highlights
      • City and MUSD Communications Subcommittee
    • Superintendent >
      • Superintendent Blog
    • District Calendar
    • District News >
      • Press
      • School LIFE E-Newsletter
    • Contact Us >
      • Public Records Request
    • Bond + Construction >
      • Bond Measure AA Construction Updates
      • Bond Measure E
      • Measure B 1996 GO Bond
      • Current Bids
      • Developer Fees
      • New Elementary School
      • State Matching Funds
      • CBOC Meetings & Agendas
    • Measure E Parcel Tax >
      • Parcel Tax Renewal
    • Measure C Parcel Tax Oversight Committee
    • MUSD Video Series'
    • MUSD Priorities and Mission
    • Policies + Procedures >
      • Bullying
      • Handbooks
      • Formal Complaint
      • Title IX and Gender Equity
      • Website Accessibility
    • ACADEMICS >
      • Programs >
        • Independent Study Program
        • Math Program
        • Music Program
        • Pathway to Career
        • Personalized Learning
        • Title I
      • AB 104
      • Assessments
      • CalSCHLS Survey
      • Common Core Standards
      • LCAP
      • MUSD & SJECCD Joint Use Program
      • Transitioning Grades
    • Federal Programs
  • ENROLLMENT
    • District Boundary Map
    • District Transfers
    • Dual Immersion
    • Find Your School
    • Handbooks
    • New Student Enrollment
    • Yearly Registration
  • DISTRICT TEAMS
    • Human Relations >
      • Human Relations- Join Our Team
      • Careers / Housing Opportunities
      • Certificated Employees
      • Classified Employees
      • Management Employees
      • Mental Health Resources (Staff)
      • New Teacher Induction
      • Workers Comp
    • Business Services >
      • Meet Our Team
      • Payroll and Benefits
      • Facility Rental
    • Learning & Development
    • Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation
    • Student Nutritional Services
    • Technology
    • Organization Charts
    • Staff Resources
  • SCHOOLS
    • Child Dev. Center
    • Elementary >
      • Burnett
      • Curtner
      • Mattos
      • Pomeroy
      • Randall
      • Rose
      • Sinnott
      • Spangler
      • Weller
      • Zanker
    • Middle >
      • Rancho
      • Russell
    • High >
      • Calaveras Hills
      • Milpitas
      • Milpitas Middle College High School
    • Adult Education
    • EducatEveryWhere Virtual Pathways Program
    • MetroED
    • SARC Reports
    • SPSAs
  • GET INVOLVED
    • AASC
    • Attendance
    • MUSD Innovation Campus Campaign
    • CBAC
    • DELAC
    • Digital Citizenship
    • Immigration Support
    • Mental Health Resources
    • Milpitas Elementary Olympics
    • MUSD Alliance Partners
    • MUSD Culture of WE Equity Team
    • Project Cornerstone
    • PTA | Milpitas Council
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • COVID-19
    • Resources (COVID-19)
    • Teacher and Student Highlights (COVID-19) >
      • Gradspiration
    • Other Emergencies
  • Let's Chat