Teens recognized for academic achievement

 Two Nelson County teens have been named National Merit Finalists. Students who take  the preliminary SAT or the actual SAT by their junior year can qualify for the award, which screens more than 1.5 million students each year.  Each year 16,000 students are named semifinalists and 15,000 are awarded as finalists. During the application process, students must get letters of recommendation and write an essay as to why they should be considered for the award.

Bobby Butler

Charlotte Humes

Bardstown High School senior Bobby Butler plays center field for the Bardstown Tigers’ baseball team. He has applied to Princeton and hopes to pursue a career as an astronomer or astrophysicist.

“I have always loved math and theoretical subjects about how the universe began,” Butler said.

He received a 227 score on the PSAT his sophomore year and credits his mindset for his success.

“If you are fortunate enough to be born with a mindset that is eager to learn things, homework and making good grades just follow that,” Butler said.

As baseball season progresses Butler finds less time for leisure activities. But he doesn’t fit any studious stereotypes. He thinks of himself as a friendly guy, enjoys going out to eat or to the movies with friends.

Charlotte Humes is a Nelson County High school senior attending The Gatton Academy on the campus of Western Kentucky University. Taking college classes while still in high school continues to be interesting for Humes.

“It can feel a bit odd at times,” Humes said. “There were plenty of people in my classes who had children my age, but you get used to it.”

I get to learn so much more in breadth and depth than I would have at a traditional high school, Humes said.

Humes does computational chemistry research, is active in a club that promotes environmentalism and sustainability. She enjoys doing community service and credits gratitude as her drive.

“I know I have been given a great opportunity, one which many students would love to have, and I’d hate to waste it,” Humes said. “That encourages me to try my hardest to make the most of my time here.”

Humes remains undecided about a career choice, but hopes to do something in the field of chemistry.

Both students have a chance to be one of the approximately 8,300 finalists given a National Merit scholarship award. Scholarship awards include one single payment, corporate sponsored and college sponsored scholarships.

BRAD BOWMAN can be reached at bbowman@lcni.com