UCS grad among only 31 statewide to earn college-based National Merit scholarship

A Utica Community Schools 2026 graduate is among 2,500 students in the nation and one only 31 in Michigan to earn a college-based scholarship through the National Merit Scholarship program.

John Murphy, who graduated from Eisenhower High School earlier this month, earned National Merit Scholarships grant financed by U.S. colleges and universities.

He also attended the Utica Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology.

Murphy received a scholarship from Michigan State University to study electrical engineering.

Murphy is a valedictorian who was also a UCS Advanced Placement Scholar, member of the National Honor Society, and a recipient of the UCS Seal of Global Language.

Students were offered scholarships between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study through National Merit programs funded by colleges and universities.

Students initially qualify for the Merit program by being among the top one percent of students in the country taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

This year, the Utica Community Schools had eight National Merit Scholars who were named finalists for eligible scholarships. Scholars represent the top one percent of all U.S. high school graduates in terms of academic ability.