BROOKHAVEN — Lincoln County’s only 2023 National Merit Scholar was named a finalist last week. Kyla Armistad is a student at Brookhaven Academy and is one step closer to winning scholarship money through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. 

Armistad said it feels amazing to be named a finalist and she is grateful first for God and everyone else who has helped her reach the achievement. NMSC reports academically talented seniors who advanced past the semi-final and final round have a shot at competing for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships. Half of the 15,000 students who advanced into the finalist round will win a scholarship and earn the title Merit Scholar. 

“I’ve done all I can. It is out of my hands at this point. All I can do now is wait,” Armistad said. “The process was a bit stressful at times but it was worth it.” 

A semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received to become a finalist. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

NSMC states “Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.” 

In the meantime, Armistad has balanced academics with athletics. She plays soccer, basketball and runs track for Brookhaven Academy. Time management is how she manages the workload. She said it can be a tough thing to do but is an important life skill to have. 

Graduation is coming up and soon the next chapter for Armistad. She told the paper last September she wants to major in accounting and then go to law school. Scholarship winners will not be announced for another two months. 

Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarship winners will be announced on April 26, 2023, National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners will be announced May 10, 2023 and College Sponsored Merit Scholarship winners will be announced June 7, 2023. She said she is waiting on a few more acceptance letters from colleges before making a decision. 

“I have a couple of acceptance letters but I’m waiting on a few others before I make my final decision,” Armistad said. “It is still surreal at times to be honest, but I am excited for things to come. I will miss the friendships I’ve made the most.” 

Her plans to study accounting are fitting because math is her favorite subject in school. Additionally, she said she is unable to pick a favorite teacher in all of her years in school. 

“Every teacher I have had, not just at BA but at Parklane and Wesson before that has impacted my life in some way,” Armistad said. “From advice to extra help on school work. All of my teachers have been happy and willing to help.”