Eric Jones, an Advanced Studies senior student at Destrehan High School, has been selected as a semifinalist in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program.
Jones, the son of Tiffany Jones and the late Eddie Jones Jr., was the only St. Charles Parish student selected this year for the honor.
“I’ve attended St. Rose Elementary, Albert Cammon Middle School and now Destrehan High School,” he said. “I was thrilled to hear that I am a National Merit Semifinalist. It was one of my goals I had for this school year.”
Jones drew inspiration for the achievement a couple of years ago.
“During my tenth-grade year, a student at Destrehan High School was named a National Merit Semifinalist,” he said. “I believe that inspired me to reach this honor. With the support of my mother, Tiffany Jones, and teachers, Mrs. Jacobi and Mrs. Sniezak, I was able to accomplish this.”
Jones and approximately 16,000 other semifinalists were named in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, with the nationwide pool of semifinalists representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.
These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition and receive one of the 8,000 National Merit Scholarships and earn the Merit Scholar title. Organizers said scholarships will total more than $35 million.
To become a finalist, each semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application outlining the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received.
Each semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and write an essay.
Jones’ list of academic achievements include honor roll designations and AP Scholar and QuestBridge College Prep Scholar distinctions. He was named a Patrick F. Taylor Scholar in ninth, tenth and eleventh grade, and during his junior year he was awarded the Tulane Book Award.
“My favorite subject in school is math,” Jones said. “I like how direct math is. There’s always a formula to solve a problem. It gives me satisfaction when I work through a problem and formulate the right answer.”
Jones has certainly found the correct formula for high school success, as he maintains excellent grades and still participates in a plethora of extra-curricular activities.
He is a volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank, Ormond Nursing Home and with the Children’s Hospital Teen Ambassador Program, all while playing safety for the Destrehan Fighting Wildcats.
Jones is a member of and holds various leadership positions within the Interact Club, Beta Club, Student Council and National Honor Society. He is a Wildcat Mentor, in addition to serving as a student advocate for the Superintendent Advisory Council and a community advocate for the Bayer Community Advisory Panel.
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