the SELMA times-journal

As a player on Morgan Academy’s football team, C.J. Searcy gets plenty of action on the field, but it’s in the classroom where he really shines, according to Morgan Headmaster Christopher de Buzna.

When he’s not on the playing field, Searcy, a senior, stands out as one of Morgan Academy’s top students.

His list of student activities is lengthy-not only is he a member of the Beta club, the Science club, the Spanish Club and the National Honor Society, but this past February Searcy earned the designation of Eagle Scout.

Recently, Searcy’s list of educational accolades grew even longer when he was named a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist.

Searcy qualified for the National Merit Scholarship Program after earning a high score on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“I found out I was a semi-finalist back in the first of September,” Searcy said. “I was really happy that I did well on the test.”

His next requirements, Searcy said, were to write an essay, get letters of recommendation from his teachers and complete a lengthy application.

Sheryl Schroeder, Morgan counselor, said Searcy will find out in February if he has been named as finalist in the scholarship program.

“Being a finalist, you get some scholarship money and it can really open some doors for you,” Searcy said.

After graduation, Searcy said he wants to study engineering at Georgia Tech.

“Math and science are my best subjects,” he said.

The staff at Morgan have little doubt that Searcy will be named a finalist, and quite possibly, win the National Merit Scholar title.

“He is one of the best all-round kids around,” said Robert Gartman, Morgan’s football coach.

“He always has a positive attitude.”

Morgan headmaster Dr. Christopher de Buzna said he expected Searcy to succeed.

“He’s an outstanding young man. Unfortunately, I can’t keep him back another year,” de Buzna said.

“His focus has always been on academics.”

According to a press release from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, about 90 percent of semi-finalists are expected to obtain finalist standing.

Half of the finalists will receive the Merit Scholarship and the Merit Scholar title.

The Merit Scholar winners will be announced this spring.

Along with Searcy, Morgan Academy seniors Ben Callaway and Kirk Cogle were both commended by the National Merit Scholar program.