Connor Akers, senior at Woodford County High School, reflects on the moment he was informed that the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) had selected him to be a National Merit Finalist, an honor bestowed upon less than one percent of our nation’s graduating seniors. “I was sitting at my desk in the back of the room of Ms. York’s class. I was leaning over my computer, writing academic team questions, when Ms. Taylor came in and sat down beside me. She stuck out her hand, and she smiled and said, ‘Congratulations, Finalist!’” Of the 1.6 million entrants that the NMSC receives, only 15,000 students are selected as Finalists. In that moment, the only words that Connor could utter were, “Wait...you’re telling me that I’m a Finalist?!” He laughs and says, “I thought to myself, ‘It must be true because that would be a really cruel joke.’”
This outstanding, young man has a genuine appreciation for learning. “He loves problem solving, thinking analytically, and memorizing,” said Ms. Regina Taylor, his guidance counselor. These skills are utilized well with his involvement in Academic Team, theater, and music and in his love of mathematics.
Connor nurtures his passions through his dedication to several extracurricular activities. To start, he has been a member of Academic Team since he was a fourth grade student at Southside Elementary School. He has thoroughly enjoyed this extracurricular activity and is proud of the achievements of the high school’s Academic Team. Additionally, Connor has acted in several plays both with Woodford Theater and the WCHS Theater program. His warm personality combined with his enthusiasm and confidence make him a natural for the stage. These traits also translate to his gift of music.
Mr. Greg Marsee, his orchestra director, said this about Connor's musical abilities, “I’ve never believed in talent, only hard work. Connor Akers has caused me to reconsider my belief given that any instrument he picks up, he learns to play with such ease.” Connor started in the orchestra by playing viola; he now plays the bass and picked up bass guitar for the jazz band. Furthermore, his involvement in choir began in the fifth grade and has continued throughout his high school career. Connor also sings in the Mellow Jackets, which is the acapella group at the high school.
Connor is a member of Midway Baptist Church and has participated in several community service and mission work opportunities through his church. Another great passion of Connor's is mathematics. He says, "I do math for fun. I have always loved the content." Connor has certainly taken advantage of the various math classes offered at the high school.
“I’ve never believed in talent, only hard work. Connor Akers has caused me to reconsider my belief given that any instrument he picks up, he learns to play with such ease.” -Greg Marsee
It is evident that Connor is an extremely well-rounded individual. He finds this to be a very important trait for people. “It’s your duty to be the best version of yourself you can be.” With an intended major in mathematics and minor in music at Eastern Kentucky University, it is clear that his mentality of versatile pursuits will follow him to college.
Congratulations on your incredible achievement, Connor! Woodford County is very proud of you. As Ms. Taylor said, “Connor simply meets the Gold Standard!”
The NMSC evaluates students for the scholarship program based on the following criteria: the scores of the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, the student’s academic records as well as the school’s curricula and grading system, a school official’s written recommendation, the student’s activities and leadership, and a student essay.
