Five Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ seniors named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools is proud to announce that five students, representing all three high schools, have been named semifinalists for the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship. The last time five or more students were named semifinalists was in 2022-23. There have been at least three semifinalists from Walled Lake every year since.

This year’s semifinals are Lisa Graham, Julia Hirsch, Ferzeen Kavarana, Kaile Lin and Zoey Toton.

Graham, who is one of three semifinalists from Walled Lake Western, plans to study biochemistry in college and go into the medical field. She currently serves as the vice president of the Warriors’ Student Council, is co-president of the Math Club, runs cross country and is a member of the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra.

“I never really expected this, so I was really surprised by it and a bit in shock,” said Graham. “I feel really happy about it and feel proud of myself for being able to get this far.”

Fellow Walled Lake Western senior, Hirsch, will study pathology or laboratory sciences in college. She’s a member of both the Walled Lake Competitive Marching Band and the Walled Lake Western Spirit Band. Hirsch is also a member of Art Club, S.A.F.E. and the Red Cross Club.

“It’s just an honor to be in this group of people,” said Hirsch. “It’s really special, and it’s proof that my hard work and dedication to what I do is paying off.”

Kavarana, who attends Walled Lake Western as well, will major in mechanical engineering in college and plans to specialize in biomedical engineering. She is the co-president of the Warriors’ chapter of National Honor Society, Math Club and Eco-Club. Kavarana is 4-year letter winner in tennis, as well as the Walled Lake Robotics Mechanical and Marketing sub-team lead. She is also a member of the Indian American Students Association.

“It’s hard to put into words,” said Kavarana. “I was actually really surprised, and I find it very rewarding because I worked really hard to get here.”

“I feel very grateful for the opportunity to be able to have an experience like this in my life,” added Kavarana.

“I am incredibly proud to celebrate Lisa Graham, Julia Hirsch and Fereen Kavarana on being named National Merit Semifinalists,” said Walled Lake Western principal Amy Pashak. “This prestigious recognition places them among the top 1% of high school seniors nationwide and is a testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the support of their families and our outstanding staff. They represent the very best of Walled Lake Western, and their futures are incredibly bright.”

Lin, who’s a senior at Walled Lake Central, will study biochemical engineering in college. He plays the viola in the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the Vikings’ chapter of Science National Honor Society and French Club. Lin also volunteers with Music for Memory, which plays music at local senior citizen homes.

“It’s exciting news,” said Lin. “I’m pretty happy to be named a semifinalist, and I think it’s going to be a big deal to write all the essays for it.”

“It is an honor to have a student like Kaile, who achieves so high in every aspect of his education,” said Walled Lake Central principal Kyle Meteyer. “Kaile is a dedicated student who puts his full effort into all that he does, maximizing the experiences and opportunities that his teachers provide him.”

Walled Lake Northern’s Toton plans to major in physics and hopes to add a double major in violin performance. She is also a member of the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Knights’ chapter of French Honor Society, Book Club and Crotchet Club.

“It’s a cool achievement,” said Toton. “It’s nice to be able to represent Northern and be a part of this with (the other semifinalists).”

"Zoey is a talented, hardworking student who is very dedicated to her studies," said Walled Lake Northern principal Greg Diamond. "To be named a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship competition is a testament to her focus and commitment to all things she does well here at Northern."

“It’s really nice that (the semifinalists) are all my friends,” said Graham. “They are people I know, and I’ve known for a while, so It’s really cool to see all of us make it to this level together.”

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation awards nearly $28 million in scholarships each year. Finalists will be announced in the spring, then approximately half of those academically talented seniors will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.