Two West Monroe High School seniors were named semifinalists for the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.
John Wesley Floyd and Brantley Martin represent Ouachita Parish as the only two students from the district named to the prestigious list made up of 16,000 semifinalists across the nation. More than 1.3 million applied from approximately 21,000 high schools.
Both seniors scored a 35 on their ACT and have maintained a 4.0 GPA thus far in their academic careers.
“I just want to make sure that I always recognize my own potential and make sure that I can do everything in my power to make sure that I am the best student and the best for the school, and the best pillar in the community that I can be,” Martin said.
Martin is the president of the National Honor Society at West Monroe High School, as well as a member of the Student Council and the Junior Civitan Club. He also excels in piano and performs for most of the recitals at the school. He was a member of the Mock Trial Team last year as well.
“It’s a great way to be involved in the school and meet a lot of new people, and just make sure everyone’s high school experience is just a little bit better,” Martin said.
Martin and Floyd volunteer after school as part of the Advanced Placement Club to tutor fellow students.
“It feels good to help people,” Floyd said. “It’s an honor to be able to represent one of the biggest schools in the area and lead by example.”
Floyd is also a member of Student Council, Key Club, Junior Civitan and National Honor Society. He is unsure of what college he will attend but is considering a degree in Computer Engineering or Computer Science. Martin plans to major in Law and is leaning towards Vanderbilt University. He would like to open up his own firm one day and possibly get into politics.
“The most important part of representing this school is showing that it’s possible,” Martin said. “We’re just a small Louisiana school. We’re not a private university in the north but working as an example for other students and the teachers here, and just letting them know that their work has meant something, and it has made a difference.”
Martin contributes his academic success to his mother, Amber Fife, and his teachers – the first being Mr. Scott Whitwell, an English teacher from West Ridge Middle School.
“He was the first teacher who really pushed me to my limits, and he really helped me recognize my flaws and where I went wrong,” Martin said. “He helped me work through that.”
Floyd also points to his parents for their support and guidance to where he is now, as well as the teachers at West Monroe High School, particularly Mrs. Mitzi Murray.
“I think all of my best teachers started in high school,” Floyd said. “I was never really challenged until some of these AP classes. Mrs. Murray, my first time as a freshman, it was a lot harder than I ever experienced, but I got used to it.”
Out of the 16,000 semifinalists, more than 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level. They will be notified of this designation in February. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.
The National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced, beginning in April through July.
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