Three CCSD Class of 2025 Graduates Win National Merit Scholarships

From left, Maja Amelia Brooker, Kevin Duncan, and Robert Raymer.

Three Cherokee County School District Class of 2025 graduates have earned National Merit college-awarded scholarships!

River Ridge High School graduates Maja Amelia Brooker and Kevin Duncan both were awarded the National Merit University of Georgia Scholarship, and Sequoyah High School graduate Robert Raymer was awarded the National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship.  Maja plans to pursue a career as a biochemical engineer and scientific researcher, Kevin as a surgeon, and Robert in medicine.  Congratulations to our winners and their teachers and thank you to our School Board for its continued investment in our students’ success!

National Merit college-awarded scholarship winners are selected by awarding groups through review of academic records and college-entrance exam scores; leadership and service in their school and community; and personal essays and letters of recommendation.  

Only 15,000 of the nation’s top graduating seniors are named National Merit Finalists becoming eligible for the 2,900 National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. universities and colleges.  The scholarships range from $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study.  Additional National Merit college-awarded scholarship winners will be named in July. 

Four-year River Ridge HS swim team member, state championships finalist, two-year captain and school record holder, Maja earned academic accolades including Scholar Athlete, Key Scholar, Lamp of Knowledge, Academic Letter, Georgia Certificate of Merit, and AP Scholar with Distinction.  A four-year school orchestra member and Technology Student Association member, she also served as the VEX Robotics team president and as a member of Beta Club, Tri-M Music Society, and National Honor Society.  

Kevin was named the River Ridge HS STAR Student, an honor recognizing the student who earned the highest score on any single test date of the SAT and who also ranks in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of his or her class based on grade point average … and he then advanced to be named the overall Cherokee County STAR Student.  He also earned numerous academic accolades including Key Scholar, Lamp of Knowledge, Academic Letter, Georgia Certificate of Merit, and AP Scholar with Distinction, and was a National Honor Society member.  

Throughout his years at Sequoyah HS, Robert actively participated in Academic Bowl, Speech and Debate, Student Government, Beta Club (serving as an officer), and National Honor Society.  He earned accolades including AP Scholar with Distinction and recognition for scoring in the top 5% on the PSAT.  Robert also volunteered at school events, assisted with local festivals, and tutored peers, all while working part-time at Publix and Starbucks.
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