Out of 1.5
million students nationwide taking the PSAT, Chandler Bailey is one of the 15,000 students to be recognized as a National
Merit Finalist. Bailey is a BioHealth Magnet student, who will attend
Calhoun Honors College at Clemson University to major in Horticulture with a
minor in Spanish. His future goal is to
conduct research in plant science, working to promote eco-awareness and
environmental sustainability. According
to Bailey, the BioHealth Magnet has
taught him communication skills and how to step outside his comfort zone,
allowing him more opportunities to express and challenge himself. “All of the adults that have been involved in
my high school years helped me to develop into the person I am now. Without the unconditional support of my
parents, teachers, counselors, and directors, I could not have grown in the
ways that I did.” Magnet director Jennifer McLeod-Crady feels Bailey has grown
tremendously since his freshmen year. "Chandler is not only a leader in the classroom with his standout academic performance, but also throughout the Ridge View community. He has started the Green Student Committee and leads the effort to promote recycling in our school. He also peer tutors students in Chemistry and Spanish, and is looked upon by students as a model of success." The next step in this
process is naming the Merit Scholars designees, which are chosen from the
Finalist group. The National Merit
Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) judges will review a variety of information to
include Bailey's academic record, test scores, written recommendation, activities and leadership, and essay. All National Merit Scholars will be notified in May.
