Zoe Sims, a senior at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, has been named a finalist in the 58th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Mark Noetzel, HPA’s dean of co-curricular activities, made the announcement.
Zoe Sims, a senior at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, has been named a finalist in the 58th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Mark Noetzel, HPA’s dean of co-curricular activities, made the announcement.
Sims will continue in the competition for 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered in 2013. Sims also has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
Sims, the daughter of Neil and Kathryn Sims of Kailua-Kona, is an active member of the HPA community. She is student body president and served as student council representative for two years. She also serves on the school’s Honor Council.
In addition, Sims has written numerous articles for Ma Ke Kula, the school magazine, and North Hawaii News.
Sims is well-known in the running community as one of the state’s top harriers. She was the 2011 individual BIIF champion and went on with her teammates to take the 2011 state championship. In track, Sims won her first state title in 2011 in the 1500m, she also took second at states that year in the 400m. This year, as a captain of the girls cross-country team, Sims won the BIIF championship and placed fifth at the state championship.
National Merit Scholarship winners of 2013 will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July.