Dereck Jernigan named National Semifinalist in National Honor Society program

Dereck Jernigan with Po-Hi teacher and National Honor Society Sponsor Mike Grimes.

Dereck Jernigan has been named one of 500 national semifinalists in the National Honor Society Scholarship program, Ponca City High School Principal Thad Dilbeck announced this week.

Jernigan was chosen from more than 11,000 applicants and will receive a $3,200 scholarship.

“The District is extremely proud of Po-Hi Senior Dereck Jernigan,” Ponca City School Superintendent Shelley Arrott said. “Dereck was recently named a National Semifinalist in the NHS Scholarship program. Dereck is the first Ponca City Senior High recipient of this award in over 20 years.”

This is the first time in more  than 20 years that a Ponca City student received any national NHS scholarship award.

High school seniors who are members in good standing of an active National Honor Society chapter are able to apply for an NHS Scholarship. Finalists are selected on the basis of their leadership skills; participation in service organizations, clubs, and other student groups at school and in the community; and their academic record. As a semifinalist, Jernigan will be recognized as one of the top 500 NHS members in the nation this school year.

Jernigan plans to attend Oklahoma Baptist University in the fall majoring in Bio Chemistry.

NHS scholarships have been awarded by the National Association of Secondary School Principals since 1946, providing more than $15 million in scholarships to outstanding NHS members. This year, the program awarded $1.5 million in scholarships. Only students who are members of chapters with an active affiliation with the NHS national office are eligible to participate in the NHS Scholarship program. Additional information about the program can be found at www.nhs.us/scholarship.