Minden High student earns highest honor

By Josh Beavers

A Minden High student has earned one of the highest honors in academics.

Connor Heard has been named a National Merit Commended Student. Only 3-4% of all PSAT test takers receive this honor.

“Connor has demonstrated superior academic successes and is a powerful force on our football team; however, I am most proud of his servant’s heart,” said Dr. Rebecca Wilson, Minden High principal. “Connor is quick to help anyone who is in need. He is kind and compassionate. Connor Heard is a role model for all of us.”

This is the first time in at least 15 years that a student from Minden High has received this outstanding honor. Connor has also earned a 33 on his ACT.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional -academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2022 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended – Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2022 competition by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

”Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. ”These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.“