Exeter, NH (January 29, 2008)—Three students from Phillips Exeter Academy have been named 2008 National Achievement Scholarship Program finalists. Seniors Safia O. Ahmed of Washington, D.C., Eugerie A. Narcisse of Rosedale, NY, and Najja C. Kossally of Brooklyn, NY, each were named finalists in the NASP, an academic competition established in 1964 to recognize outstanding Black American high school students.

Of the more than 1,600 students named semifinalists in 2007, 1,300 are selected as Achievement Scholarship finalists. These selections are based on high school transcripts, PSAT/SAT scores, plans for college and course of study, overall standing and U.S. citizenship. A total of 700 National Achievement Scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded based on regional representation.

Every year, more than 140,000 students enter the National Achievement Scholarship Program. Of that, less than four percent—approximately 4,600—are honored as finalists. Close to 3,000 candidates are referred to colleges for their potential for academic success. Only 1,600 are named Semifinalists, and have an opportunity to advance in the competition for National Achievement Scholarship awards.

A complete list of upcoming events is available on the Phillips Exeter Academy public events line at (603) 777-4309 and on our website at http://www.exeter.edu/. For directions, call (603) 777-4330.

Phillips Exeter Academy is a coeducational, independent preparatory school that was founded in 1781 and originated the system of instruction known as Harkness teaching in 1931. In the spirit of its charter to foster both goodness and knowledge, a Phillips Exeter Academy education will now be free to any admitted student whose family income is $75,000 or less. Committed to educational excellence, the school meets all demonstrated financial aid needs of its admitted students, making the Academy effectively “need blind.” The diverse student body comes from a wide variety of geographic, economic, racial and religious backgrounds, approximately from 45 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and 23 foreign countries.