On Sept. 14, Manitou Springs High School senior Elanor Fugate was announced as one of the semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. In Colorado, a student needs to obtain at least a 217 selection index score to qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist.
Semifinalists represent less than 1 percent of high school seniors in the United States.
This honor was announced to Fugate’s teachers and peers the morning of Sept. 15.
“It is so exciting to have achieved this honor and I’m grateful for everyone who got me to this point,” Fugate said.
Anna Conrad, interim principal, made that announcement to MSHS about Fugate’s achievement.
“I am beyond words proud of Elanor,” Conrad said. “I wish her the best of luck for the rest of this process.”
Fugate invited a few teachers, including Mike Talbott, Benjamin Mack and Pierce Gillard, she thought had impacted her academic career the most to watch her receive this award.
Fugate’s teachers all agree she went above and beyond to achieve this honor.
“Elanor has prepared most of her life to achieve excellence in her academics,” Talbott said. “She works hard, looks for more challenges and is always looking to do better. She pushes herself.”
Elizabeth Domangue, Manitou Springs School District 14 superintendent, also attended the announcement.
“She just exudes high character, integrity and she is just a kind human being,” Domangue said. “I can’t think of a more deserving student than Elanor.”
“I am so proud of Elanor, but I am also proud of her parents and our staff that have contributed to her being here today,” the superintendent added.
To become a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship, Fugate and a high school official will be required to submit an application that includes her academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment and all previous awards she has received.
The finalists will be announced in February 2023, and they will compete for three types of scholarships: 2,500 National Merit scholarships open to all finalists; 950 corporate-sponsored scholarships for children of the grantor’s employees, among other criteria; and 3,800 scholarships from colleges and universities for students who attend the sponsor school.
“I am just excited to see where I can go with this accomplishment,” Fugate said.