From left: Eaton’s Tobey Mathis, and Byron Nelson’s Zoe Bass and Haniyah Burney were all named National Merit Finalists in
2017-18, one of the top academic honors in the nation based on PSAT test scores and other academic factors.
Students see range
of academic success
during 2017-18
THREE STUDENTS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT
FINALISTS, AMONG OTHER HONORS
Staff Report
The 2017-18 school year saw a wave of student academic
accomplishments, highlighted by Class of 2018 students
earning national accolades.
Three students led the way as National Merit Finalists: Byron
Nelson High School’s Zoe Bass and Haniyah Burney, and
Eaton High School’s Tobey Mathis. Their distinction places
them among the top 15,000 academic achievers from across
the nation, chosen for their exemplary PSAT scores as well
as their academic transcripts, SAT scores, student activities
and personal essays.
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Northwest ISD staff also received accolades of their own,
including Byron Nelson’s counseling program earning
national RAMP recognition for its commitment to
continuous improvement through data monitoring of
academics, attendance and other areas. With the honor,
Byron Nelson is one of only two schools to receive the
recognition over the current five-year distinction period.
Dr. Rob Thornell, deputy superintendent for curriculum
and instruction, said this year’s accomplishments show the
effort students, staff and schools put into achieving a high