Clay County High School principal John Denton recently announced that student Patrick Bias had been named a “commended student” in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.

A letter of commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, was presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior.

About 34,000 students across the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.  Although they will not continue in the 2011 competition for the National Merit Scholarships, they placed among the top five percent of more that 1.5 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test.

“Recognition of high-acheiving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation,” a NMSC spokesperson said.  “As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named as commended students represent some of the most academically talented students in our country.

“We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of academic success.”