Meet two 2011 National Merit semifinalists of Southeast Missouri

Meet Cape Girardeau Central High School's high-achieving Tigers, Lizzie Nussbaum and Veronica Ely. The two seniors are semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. As juniors, they scored well enough on the preliminary SAT to be included in a list of 16,000 students nationwide vying for a shot at scholarships from the program. According to the not-for-profit organization that heads the program, around 1.5 million students in 22,000 high schools took the qualifying test. The students who will receive the scholarships will be announced in the spring.

Semifinalists are the less than 1 percent of students nationwide to receive the honor.

Lizzie Nussbaum

Cape Girardeau Central High School

Age: 17

National Merit semifinalist Lizzie Nussbaum of Cape Central High School. (Laura Simon)

Parents: Mark and Sarah Nussbaum

Q: How do you balance school and extracurricular activities?

A: Academics always come first, and then it's prioritizing everything else. It's a constant juggle because I have a hard time saying no to things and so I am invovlved in everything. At the end of the day, though, it's about paying attention to how you're spending your time, and always, no matter what, setting aside time for friends and family.

Q: Where will you go to college? Why did you pick that one?

A: It's crazy, but its November of my senior year and I still haven't decided! I have the sort of personality where I think I could be happy in a lot of places. I know that no matter what, I'm going to love the opportunities going to college presents me and can't wait to start that chapter of my life.

Q: What do you plan to study and do?

A: I want to double major in Spanish and biology with a premed emphasis, then go to medical school.

Q: What has been your favorite aspect of high school?

A: Some of my fondest memories come from cheerleading. I've cheered since freshman year and love the feeling of being on the sidelines at Friday night football and rooting for the team. As a squad, we also get really close and have a lot of memories together.

Q: What or who motivates you to succeed academically?

A: My parents always taught me to work hard and do my best, and I try to apply that to every aspect of my life. When I have something to do, I try to do it 100 percent.

Q: Who is your favorite teacher and how did he/she inspire you to learn?

A: I've had so many excellent teachers throughout high school, but my favorite would probably have to be Ms. Robin Hankinson, or "Profe." I've had her for Spanish III, IV and V, and she has challenged me in ways no other teacher has. Profe always inspires me to learn and never settles with asking the "simple" questions. She is a major reason I want to major in Spanish and have such a passion for languages.

Veronica Ely

Cape Girardeau Central High School

Age: 18

Parents: Candace Ely

Q: How do you balance school and extracurricular activities?

Cape Central High School National Merit semifinalist Veronica Ely. (Laura Simon)

A: I don't sleep.

Q: Where will you go to college? Why did you pick that one?

A: I have no idea yet, but am applying to several schools. I want to go somewhere where I can bring my bunny, Miss Nicky. She is going to live under my bed.

Q: What do you plan to study and do?

A: I want to become a physician, using my education and talents to help people.

Q: What has been your favorite aspect of high school?

A: Going to school with my mom, who teaches at Central, every day -- even if she does make us late in the morning.

Q: What or who motivates you to succeed academically?

A: I picture life 10 years down the road for motivation, because in my future I see a big family and happy life as a doctor.

Q: Who is your favorite teacher and how did he/she inspire you to learn?

A: My favorite teacher has been Mrs. Ellen Pannier, Central's anatomy and physiology teacher. We got to dissect cats in her class, which was disgusting and fascinating at the same time. Mrs. Pannier helped me discover my passion for the medical field.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO

1000 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, MO