Glatter is National Merit Scholarship semifinalist

Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation named Morgan City High School senior Colby Glatter as a semifinalist in the 2016 scholarship program on Wednesday. Glatter is the only student recognized in the Morgan City area.
“It is an honor to know that I am representing this area as a semifinalist,” Glatter said in an email. “I am very proud to do so.”
“We are very proud of Colby and all of his accomplishments,” said his parents Michael Glatter and Dawn Glatter, who are both teachers in the St. Mary Parish School District.
“He has worked very hard throughout his years in school, and as a young adult he is starting to see that a strong work ethic and a desire to learn are rewarded,” his parents said.
Approximately 16,000 semifinalists were announced in the 61st annual scholarship program. Ninety percent are expected to attain finalist standing in February and half of those will move on to win a scholarship as merit scholar by April.
Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in 2016.
“My goal in any competition is to do my best whether it is in academics or sports,” Glatter said. “Now that I know I’m the only one in the area that is competing, it’s even more motivating.
“Of course, the chance to win a scholarship that would help me financially in college is a good incentive as well,” he said.
“As the principal of Morgan City High School,” Mickey Fabre said, “I am extremely pleased and honored that Colby has been selected as a semifinalist in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
“The fact that he is the only student from the local area to receive this prestigious recognition is a testament to his exemplary academic abilities,” Fabre said.
About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2016 national Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2014 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
The tests served as an initial screen of program entrants.
“I’ve spent many hours completing homework and studying for exams, but I know it is all for my own benefit,” Glatter said.
Glatter is a four-year member of the Beta Club and MCHS baseball team. He is also active in church as a deacon.
“I’ve always tried my best in class and learned as much as I could. My parents have stressed that education is important for my future, so I think of school as work that will pay off in the end,” Glatter said.

This story was written by Shea Drake of The Daily Review staff. Reach her at sdrake@daily-review.com.