Two Yuma students named Merit Scholarship finalists

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Two local high school seniors became finalists in a competition for the Class of 2022 National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Zarrin Askari and Julia Whitson of Cibola High School each made statements regarding their finalist positions.

“Being named a finalist for this scholarship is a huge honor,” Askari expressed. “It opens countless
postsecondary opportunities that I'm thrilled to take advantage of as I navigate my interests in
environmental and civil engineering.”

Both students reached the finalist level in February 2022 and more than half of those who reach this level attained the Merit Scholar title.

“I feel so honored to be a national merit finalist," began Whitson. "This distinction represents not only my own hard work but also the support of everyone else in my life, from my counselor Mrs. [Anastasia] Dawson to my family who’s always been there for me. Being a national merit finalist allows me to attend Texas Tech University, where I plan to follow my passions and double-major in kinesiology and theater. I look forward to pursuing the opportunities that the National Merit finalist standing allows.”