Waco Reporter

Belton Independent School District issued the following announcement.

Belton High School senior Joshua Bledsoe has been selected as a National Merit Scholar Finalist by “demonstrating through distinguished performance high potential for future academic accomplishment.” Of the more than 3.4 million high school seniors nationwide, only 15,000 receive this recognition.

Last fall, Bledsoe was identified as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist after earning high scores on the PSAT. To become a finalist, he had to receive similarly high scores on the SAT and complete an application, which included information about his participation in school and community activities, recommendation letters, and honors that he has received.

As a freshman at Belton High School, Bledsoe founded the campus Engineering Club. This year, while serving as the club’s president, his team qualified to advance to both the state and national Vex Robotics competitions. Bledsoe is often seen on the sidelines of Belton Tiger athletic events or other community activities supporting his fellow students and capturing special moments as the lead photographer of Tiger Media.

He also is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, ASTRA and is a leader for this year’s Prom Committee. In addition, he sings and plays guitar in the band at his church.

Belton High School Principal Ben Smith said, “We’re very proud of Josh and his success. As a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program, Josh is in the top one-half of one-percent of all high school seniors.”

Interim Superintendent Dr. Robin Battershell added, “I want to congratulate Josh and his proud parents, Christie and Trey. Through his hard work, both in and out of the classroom, Josh has truly earned this recognition and the admiration of all those who know him. He is a great example of how high achievement in academics and extracurricular pursuits is not only possible, but worth it.”

After Bledsoe graduates from high school, he plans to major in Bionanotechnology and is considering potential scholarship offers from the University of Texas, Texas A&M or Rice University. He will learn later this spring if he receives one of the approximately 7,500 scholarships awarded through the Merit Scholar competition.

Original source can be found here.