“It was quite a surprise to learn that I had been named a finalist, but I feel both honored and encouraged by the distinction,” he said.
Schetter qualified by taking the 2019 PSAT/National Merit Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants, the academy stated. He then qualified nationally as a semifinalist, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors.
“Because of Caleb’s outstanding academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities and honors received, Caleb was chosen as a finalist,” the academy stated.
Roughly 1.5 million students entered the 2021 program. Of those, 16,000 became semifinalists and 15,000 were selected as finalist.
“We are humbled that Caleb was chosen from so many candidates,” his mother, Jennifer, said.
Schetter will now compete to earn one of 7,600 awards to be used towards college. Those winners will be announced in the spring.
Superintendent and Pastor John Essig said the “Emmanuel family is thrilled” for Schetter.
“Such accomplishments are a result of wonderful parents, an academically engaged school and a tribute to the hard work of the student,” he said.
Schetter is on the Student Advisory Council, is a member of the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa, has been a leader in student government, and is seated to be named valedictorian for the 2021 graduating class.
“Academics have always been a focus of mine and I have had the privilege of earning almost 40 college credit hours while in high school along with some excellent honors courses at my school,” he said.
Schetter, who has a GPA of 4.4722, has been accepted into The Ohio State University and plans to attend in the fall.
“I have multiple teachers who have made a huge impact on my life and passion for learning. I want to thank them for instilling in me a love for their subjects, many of which will be integral to my future educational pursuits,” he said.
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