Grauer School Students Earn National and Regional Accolades

ENCINITAS, CA, May 23, 2011 (Press-News.org) Grauer School announced significant student achievements in the categories of National Merit Scholarship Commendations, Harvard Book Prize competition and athletic excellence in the National Mountain Bike Race Championship. Matthew Higgins ('12) and Summer Kiesel ('12) were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Matthew Higgins ('12) was awarded the 2011 Harvard Book Prize for outstanding achievement in a field of top students throughout the country and Luca Cometti ('14) won first place in the Downhill mountain bike competition at the Sea Otter Classic Nationals, excelling against multiple professional downhill mountain bike racers.

According to Principal Dana Abplanalp-Diggs, "These students exemplify the academic and athletic achievement and resourcefulness that has become the cornerstone of the Grauer School educational experience. With our enrollment cap at 150 for enriched student-to teacher interaction, it's truly amazing that we have so many students excelling in these disciplines ---- they compete against schools with much larger student bodies and their accomplishments are a testament to the Small Schools Movement. These competitions involve students from both public and private schools and we continue to marvel at our students' capabilities that consistently exceed our high expectations."

To be eligible for selection as a Commended Student through the National Merit Program, a student must score in the top 3% among the 1.5 million college-bound students taking the PSAT. Commended students are eligible to continue in the scholarship competition to be named one of 16,000 National Merit Program Semifinalists nationwide. In its 375th year, The Harvard Book Prize winner must be judged highest among all local public and private high school students in both an essay and a debate.

The Grauer School is a UNESCO associated, independent grades 6 -12 college preparatory school accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is renowned for its expeditionary learning and Socratic methods, enabling the school to provide the most balanced pathway to top colleges available. Summer School enrollment is currently open for UC-approved classes and enrichment camps taking place from June 20 through July 29, 2011. To learn more about The Grauer School experience, or Summer School, visit http://www.grauerschool.com or call 760/944-6777.