DuPage students win National Merit Scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced this year's National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners.

The designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The recipients are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state's percentage of the nation's graduating high school seniors.

These scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

Here's a look at the DuPage recipients:

• Abigail VanderPloeg of Aurora attends the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and hopes to pursue a career in physics.

• Shiva R. Menta of Burr Ridge attends the University of Chicago Laboratory High School in Chicago and is undecided about a possible career field.

• Melissa X. Li of Clarendon Hills attends Hinsdale Central High School and hopes to pursue a career in biology.

• Marion G. Deal of Downers Grove attends Downers Grove North High School and hopes to pursue a career in poetry.

• Charles J. Romenesko of Downers Grove attends Benet Academy and hopes to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.

• Spencer W. Gallagher of Elmhurst attends Fenwick High School and hopes to pursue a career in environmental engineering.

• Brendan M. Wagner of Elmhurst attends Northridge Preparatory School and hopes to pursue a career in finance.

• Emilia E. Carlson of Glen Ellyn attends Glenbard West High School and hopes to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.

• Arjun Nair of Hinsdale attends Hinsdale Central High School and hopes to pursue a career in computer science.

• Karen Ge of Lisle attends Naperville North High School and hopes to pursue a career in education.

• Ryan Robbins of Lisle attends Naperville North High School and hopes to pursue a career in law.

• Allen E. Chen of Naperville attends the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and hopes to pursue a career in mathematics.

• Emma E. Connelly of Naperville attends Naperville North High School and hopes to pursue a career in accounting.

• Seamus M. Flannery of Naperville attends the University of Chicago Laboratory High School in Chicago and hopes to pursue a career in engineering.

• Sean L. Fu of Naperville attends Neuqua Valley High School and hopes to pursue a career in chemical engineering.

• Shruti Kolli of Naperville attends Waubonsie Valley High School and hopes to pursue a career in medicine.

• Kenneth Li of Naperville attends Naperville Central High School and hopes to pursue a career in chemical engineering.

• Saagar Moradia of Naperville attends Naperville Central High School and hopes to pursue a career in computer science.

• Svanik Tandon of Naperville attends Metea Valley High School and hopes to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.

• Jeffrey Tang of Naperville attends Neuqua Valley High School and hopes to pursue a career in computer science.

• Megan Wu of Naperville attends Neuqua Valley High School and hopes to pursue a career in economics.

• Angela Han of Oak Brook attends Hinsdale Central High School and hopes to pursue a career in business management.

• Nicholas Gulli of Warrenville attends St. Francis High School and hopes to pursue a career in statistics.

• Luke S. Mondia of Wheaton attends Wheaton North High School and hopes to pursue a career in pediatrics.

• Aliza Panjwani of Willowbrook attends Hinsdale Central High School and hopes to pursue a career in chemistry.