For six years, the University of Nevada, Reno has partnered with area high schools in Nevada Scholars Signing Days, ceremonies reminiscent of high school athletes' "signing days" to acknowledge the decision of these "best-and-brightest" scholars to pursue their college degree in Nevada.
The University's student body recently included about 220 Presidential Scholars and 46 National Merit Scholars, the largest number ever enrolled at Nevada. Scholarships awarded through National Merit programs are regarded as some of the highest academic honors attainable by U.S. high school students. The University was notified of its sponsorship status by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation five years ago.
National Merit Scholars receive a $15,000 annual scholarship, which covers tuition and fees, books, automatic entry into the Honors Program, as well as room and board in the Residential Scholars Community of the new Nevada Living Learning Community building. Presidential Scholars receive $5,000 per year for four years of undergraduate study.
University President Marc Johnson, Provost Kevin Carman, deans, department chairs and many more University representatives were on hand at these events to congratulate and welcome the scholars who will enter the University as part of the Wolf Pack family this fall.
Davidson Academy student and National Merit Scholarship Finalist Austin Shinagawa. Shinagawa is one of six students in northern Nevada to be admitted to the BS/MD program, which provides an accelerated track through undergraduate studies and straight into medical school at the University.
Jamie Poston, a homeschooled student, was one of several high-achieving, graduating students recognized during a ceremony at the University's Redfield Campus. A National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Poston is interested in pursuing a degree in computer science and engineering. She is seen celebrating here by taking a picture with her brother.
The University signed National Merit Scholarship Finalists at a ceremony in Henderson, Nev., from Advanced Technologies Academy, Coronado, Palo Verde, Silverado and Valley High Schools. Seen here, from left to right, is Mary Branigan, Robert Fisch and Brenda Shen.
Jonathan Ta, left, seen here shaking hands with College of Science Dean Jeff Thompson. Ta graduated from Valley High School in Las Vegas and is interested in studying Biology through the College of Science.
National Merit Scholarship Finalists from Reno High School, seated from left to right, were Brittany Blair and Tania Luo. Both are interested in studying biochemistry and molecular biology through the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources.
Twin brothers and Presidential Scholars from Douglas High School, Samuel Frost, left, and Andrew Frost, right, were recognized among other scholars at a ceremony in Minden.
President Johnson happily welcomes National Merit Scholarship Finalist and National Hispanic Scholar Sergio Galvan Rubio to the University. Rubio celebrated with three Presidential Scholars from his graduating class during a ceremony at Wooster High School.
Holding its first Nevada Scholars Signing Ceremony at Galena High School, the University welcomed Presidential Scholars Sylvia Fuchs and Christopher Meyer.
Reed High School student Anna Miller signed her commitment as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist to the University of Nevada, Reno.
Taylor Schwartz, from Lowry High School in Winnemucca, committed to study civil engineering at the University's College of Engineering.