With Merit: John McClain

The Southeast Missourian continues to introduce you to local National Merit semifinalists who scored big on the PSAT. Out of more than 1.5 million juniors who took the test in 2008, 16,000 were named semifinalists. They will now compete for finalist standing by taking the SAT and submitting an application and recommendations -- with the hope of winning a scholarship. This week's scholar is John McLain, who plays the saxophone for the pep band. He also earned the Eagle Scout rank by building a retaining wall and bench at the grotto behind St. Joseph's Church in Apple Creek, Mo.

School: Notre Dame Regional High School

Age: 18

Parents: Rick and Peggy McLain

What's your favorite school activity and why? I'd have to say cross country because every day I have the opportunity to redefine my limits from the previous day. The team has great leaders who set positive examples while also reaching out with encouragement to the beginning runners. I also love the fact that everyone runs in meets regardless of talent level.

How do you balance school and extracurricular activities? At the start of high school, I had to learn to prioritize. Schoolwork always comes first, and extracurricular activities are a demanding second. Sometimes my social life has to face sacrifices, but I have still made plenty of friends through classes and activities.

What is your dream college and what do you plan to study? Right now I'm not set on my college choice, but I'm looking to attend a school close to home with an exemplary education program. Scholarships have also become a huge influence on my decision. I plan to study either mathematics or history in hopes of earning a degree in secondary education.

Who is your favorite teacher and how did they inspire you to learn? Several come to mind, but my favorite teacher would have to be Mr. Ben Edwards. During Spanish I and II, Mr. Edwards, or "Profe" as everyone at Notre Dame calls him, successfully prepared me for upper-level Spanish while also allowing the classroom to be a place of both learning and imagination. In Profe's classes, students can release their inner child and rediscover a time when learning was exciting.

What is your most notable academic achievement? I believe my most meaningful accomplishment is passing on my knowledge to my classmates through tutoring. I love using the academic talents God has blessed me with to help others. The look of triumph on the face of one of my classmates when he suddenly understands the calculus lesson outweighs any ACT score or other academic honor.

What is the biggest challenge facing your generation? I feel the lack of desire in students to learn is becoming an increasingly large problem. Society can often place a large emphasis on the ramifications of schoolwork. One test can affect a class grade, which can affect GPA. GPA can affect scholarships, which affect college opportunities. As a result of this pressure, schools have become stressful environments detested by many students.

How do you plan to address it? I think teachers and school officials should make learning enjoyable. While this is no simple task, I think students would put more effort into studies if classes were exciting. Learning must always be the top priority, but energizing methods of teaching could fuel a desire to learn.

What is your favorite high school memory? Following my sophomore year of high school, I helped with Notre Dame's summer session of Habitat for Humanity. This involved a great deal of hard work and sweat, but I'll never forget the image of tears of joy streaming down the homeowner's face when we raised the walls of her new home.

What are your expectations for college? I hope to meet many new friends, encounter new outlooks on life and further my education.