Chosen from over one million students nationwide, Duxbury High School senior Lindsay Seewald has been selected as a National Merit Scholarship finalist. Lindsay recently informed us more about what that entails and also touched on her experience as a student at Duxbury High School.

Congratulations on your National Merit Scholarship nomination. What does it mean to be a finalist? As a finalist, I have a chance to receive one of about 8,000 scholarships.  There are three different types of scholarships: National Merit Scholarships, corporate-sponsored scholarships and college-sponsored scholarships.  Corporations and colleges select the recipients of their respective scholarships, and all finalists are considered for a National Merit Scholarship.

What were the nomination requirements?

Duxbury High School encourages all of its students to take the PSAT during the fall of their junior year.  I took the PSAT and was selected as a high-scorer on the exam.  Last September, I received a letter saying that I qualified as a semifinalist.  In order to continue in the competition, I had to write an essay about an experience that had been particularly influential to me, and send in an application.  Based on the PSAT score, the application, the essay, and the school’s recommendation, National Merit selected the finalists for the scholarships.

When did you find out about the nomination? Were you surprised?

About two weeks ago, I received a letter stating that I was a finalist.  I thought the announcements would be made later, so yes, it was a nice surprise.

Have you always been a dedicated student?

I’ve always loved to learn.  I attended Bay Farm Montessori Academy through sixth grade and the Montessori method of learning really suited me.  I loved being able to learn at my own pace and the Montessori materials taught me how to visualize abstract concepts, a skill that’s helped me a lot in high school.  I’ve also had many incredible and inspiring teachers while at Derby Academy for seventh and eighth grade, and also here at Duxbury High School.

Which subject do you find most challenging?

Writing has been the most challenging for me, although I feel like I’ve become a much better writer during my time at Duxbury High School, especially this year.

Where will you attend college?

I’m still waiting to hear back from most of the schools I applied to, so I haven’t decided at this point.

What will you study?

I have always been interested in science and at this point, I think I’ll major in either biology or physics.  However, I have many other interests, including foreign languages and music, which I plan to also study in college.

What do you hope to get out of your college experience?

I hope to meet a lot of interesting people and make good friends.  I’m also interested in participating in a study abroad program, and I hope to take advantage of as many internship and research opportunities as I can.  I’d also like to row in college.

What kinds of extracurricular activities are you involved in?

I’ve participated in three main sports during high school.  I’ve been on the rowing team since freshman year.  I am also a gymnast, and now am an instructor at Gymnastics With Flair in Duxbury, and I train and compete horses.  In addition, I play piano and am part of Duxbury High School’s AFS club and National Honor Society.

Has it been difficult to balance schoolwork and time with friends/extracurriculars?

At times I have been extremely busy, but I enjoy being involved in a lot of different activities, and I’ve learned to manage my time well.  I make sure I always have time to spend with my friends.

Do you feel you’ve received a good education at Duxbury High School?

I’ve had a great experience at Duxbury High School and it’s an excellent preparation for college if you take advantage of everything it has to offer.

If you could change one thing about your high school experience what would it be?

I don’t think I’d change anything.  I’ve had a great time at Duxbury High School.

What’s you favorite part about living in Duxbury?

Duxbury is a great town to grow up in.  It’s such a friendly community and I’ve made some amazing friends while living here.  Also, I love living near the water and being able to row on the bay.

What are your hobbies?

I love to bake and decorate cakes and cupcakes for my friends’ birthdays.

Is there someone you look up to? Do you have a mentor or idol?

Over the years I’ve had many amazing coaches who have influenced me in many ways, including the coaches at Gymnastics With Flair and Sara Paret at Duxbury Bay Maritime School, who inspired me to want to row in college.  In addition, I’ve learned a lot from Annie Eldridge, with whom I have ridden since I was nine.  She’s taught me invaluable lessons about horsemanship, hard work, and following my passions in life.