Holly Wilson, a senior at Fairland High Scholl has been honored as a Commended Student in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program.

A letter of commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corp. will be presented by the principal, Roni Hayes, to the student.

“Recognition of academically talented students and the key role played by schools in their development is essential to the pursuit of educational excellence in our nation,” National Merit Scholarship Corp. officials said. “The young people named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding academic potential by their strong performance in this highly competitive program. We hope that this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and that they will continue to diligently pursue their professional goals.”

Approximately 34,000 students across the nation are being recognized as Commended Students. Although they will not continue in the 2009 competition for National Merit Scholarships, the students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2009 competition.