Decorah HS graduate named National Merit Scholar

2019 Decorah High School graduate Cassidy Carolan has been awarded an Iowa State University National Merit Scholarship.

Carolan was active in band, cross country, track and National Honor Society at Decorah HS. Cassidy's parents are Jason and Sherri Carolan of Decorah.

Cassidy was named a National Merit Semifinalist in September.  To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist's academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® scores that confirm the student's earlier performance on the qualifying test.

There are around 7,500 National Merit Scholarships awarded each year, worth more than $31 million.