March 29, 2024

NHS student named as National Hispanic Merit Scholar

When the letter first showed up in his mailbox it looked like just another piece of college junk mail. As a senior at Newton High School, David Lopez-Sanders has been buffeted by a daily stream of flyers, brochures and literature from colleges around the country, but when he opened the envelope he was surprised to learn he’d been selected as a National Hispanic Merit Scholar, one of the top 2.5 percent of Hispanic students who took the PSAT test.

“I didn’t even know that this existed, I thought it was just a piece of college spam,” Lopez-Sanders said.

As a high school senior getting ready for college Lopez-Sanders had already taken the ACT, a college preparatory exam that’s commonly used by many colleges and universities in the Midwest, but when the high school also offered students a chance to take the PSAT, he decided it wouldn’t hurt to give it a whirl. More than 250,000 take the test every year, but less than 5,000 students across the country are selected as National Hispanic Merit Scholars.

“It was only like $15, I just thought I’d try for it, it was only four hours,” Lopez-Sanders said.

After cracking open the books the night before the test Lopez-Sanders said he felt confident when he walked into the room, that he’d be able to do well on the test as long as he kept his cool. He’d already taken the ACT and this was a no-pressure opportunity to attract some college scholarship attention.

“It really wasn’t too much of a risk,” Lopez-Sanders said.

Being recognized as a National Hispanic Merit Scholar has slowed the deluge of mail from interested colleges, if anything, it’s actually started to increase. The organization releases the names of students like Lopez-Sanders who’ve scored well enough on the test to receive the designation to colleges, and many offer some sort of scholarship option, including opportunities for full scholarships. While some of the offers have been tempting, Lopez-Sanders has his sights set on Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., where he hopes to join the fledgling marching band the college is preparing to launch.

The college, while smaller than state schools gives Lopez-Sanders a place where he feels like he can make an impact during his college career. He plans to major in music education, at NHS he plays the trumpet in the school’s jazz band, and the baritone in marching and concert band productions.

“I wouldn’t have the same opportunities at the state schools,” Lopez-Sanders said.

NHS Social Studies teacher Brian Cleveland has known Lopez-Sanders for several years, and he said he’s glad to see he’s being recognized as a National Hispanic Merit Scholar. After teaching Lopez-Sanders last year in American History, Cleveland said it didn’t take long to see that Lopez-Sanders brought a lot to the table in the classroom.

“He is just extremely inquisitive, there’s not a single moment in the classroom he’s not with you and wants to offer a reaction, a reflection or a response,” Cleveland said. “He’s just constantly with you, and he’s not shy or bashful about offering an opinionated perspective.”

Although he may be a serious student, Cleveland said he’s also seen a side of Lopez-Sanders that’s just as important; the serious comedian. As a member of the high school’s chess and chocolate milk club Lopez-Sanders proposed creating a scale to rate different chocolate milks in search of the perfect after school refreshment for thirsty wood pushers hoping to become grand masters.

“Even though he’s extremely serious academically, he’s not a serious person,” Cleveland said.

Contact David Dolmage at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or ddolmage@newtondailynews.com