<p>[islandpacket.com</a> | Heritage Academy senior nets prestigous National Merit Scholarship](<a href=“http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/story/838363.html]islandpacket.com”>http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/story/838363.html)</p>
<p>"As far as many of the school’s teachers and administrators are concerned, senior Nick White is Heritage Academy’s Renaissance man. </p>
<p>That’s why they were not surprised to learn White earned one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarships, which gives graduating seniors $2,500 toward college. Students from across the country are evaluated on their academic records, scores on standardized tests and leadership in school and community activities.</p>
<p>White, the only recipient in Beaufort County this year, is 17 and speaks French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. His aptitude for mathematics is so great, he receives one-on-one tutoring in differential equations instead of attending regular math classes. </p>
<p>He swam competitively, learned to play piano and briefly studied Irish dance. He also enjoys playing tennis. </p>
<p>White is president of the leadership council and volunteers with the Neighborhood Outreach Connection, formerly the Latin American Council. </p>
<p>He’s also this year’s valedictorian. </p>
<p>“He’s shown … this school the rebirth of investment in knowledge and commitment to service,” said Gloria Shoemaker, a co-head of Heritage. </p>
<p>He plans to attend Princeton in the fall and is interested in the Ivy League college’s math and East Asian studies programs. </p>
<p>“He’s as good a student as I could possibly find,” said Ted Zawacki, an Advanced Placement government and history teacher. " … He made me a better teacher because I always wanted to challenge him." </p>
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<p>Congratulations and welcome to Princeton!</p>