Scholarships aren’t just about need

Re “Smarter scholarships,” editorial, July 11

What an incredibly stingy idea it is to deny students who actually show some intelligence a National Merit Scholarship because the amounts could be used “for deserving students who cannot afford higher fees.”

Back in 1967, I received one of those scholarships, as did 11 others in my graduating class of 184 students. We read books, completed our math homework and studied foreign languages (Thank you, Sister Joan).

I tell my high school classes that if they want to do well on the PSAT and SAT to do the same. Need should not be the only criteria for a scholarship. I believe academic merit achieved through hard work and intelligence also deserves reward and recognition.

Eileen R. Walker

Victorville