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  • Claremore High School Principal Todd Steidley congratulates senior Bailey Wilton on her achievement of Semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Mark Friedel

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September 14, 2012

Wilton named National Merit Semifinalist

Mark Friedel Staff Reporter

CLAREMORE — Bailey Wilton of Claremore High School has officially been named a National Merit Semifinalist for the 2013 Merit Scholarship award.

Wilton is part of a nationwide pool that represents less than one percent of seniors population in  U.S. high schools.
About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Before becoming a semifinalist, Wilton had to take the Preliminary SAT/NMS Qualifying Test.  The test served as an initial screen for program entrants.
A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn a high SAT score on the qualifying test.
Wilton is involved in speech and debate at CHS, as well as the Young Democrats, Chemistry Club and the Academic Team.
She is a part of the National Honors Society and plays tennis and volleyball, where she was named floor leader by coach Lindsey Renfroe.
Wilton’s confidence and hard work has payed off for her throughout high school.  Her ACT score of 35 is one of the highest scores in the school.
“My family and I were kind of expecting me to be named semifinalist,” she said.  “It has been a goal of mine for a really long time.”
As for future plans, Wilton is looking into attending the University of Texas where she will major in psychology and eventually go on to graduate school.
At one point during high school she was accepted into a New Mexico prep school, but decided to stay in Claremore and finish at CHS.
“We are glad she stayed and are very proud of her and all of her accomplishments, said Senior Counselor Phyllis Hess. 
Wilton will now submit a detailed scholarship application to become a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship.  
The winners will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July.

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