Best friends named 2008 National Merit Finalists

Central’s Fultz, Lasure move on to next round of competition

WHEELING — Wheeling Central Catholic High School Principal Joe Viglietta announced yesterday that two seniors have been named National Merit Finalists in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. Trisha L. Fultz, daughter of Lyle and Theresa Fultz of Wheeling, and Regina “Gina” M. Lasure, daughter of Rex Lasure and Nancy Endrizzi of Wheeling, are among the 15,000 finalists in the 53rd Annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

“We are so proud of the achievements that Trisha and Gina have earned here at Central,” said Viglietta. “They are extraordinary examples of academically gifted and spiritually grounded young women who are destined to be successful in their college and professional careers. We have been blessed by their contributions over the last four years.” Viglietta added that Fultz and Lasure truly personify the Central Catholic mission: to ensure students puts forth their very best effort and reach their full potential.

More than 1.4 million high school juniors across the U.S. entered the Merit Scholarship program by taking the 2006 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Best friends since the sixth grade, Fultz and Lasure, as National Merit finalists, now have the opportunity to earn one of 8,200 Merit Scholarships that will be awarded beginning in March and continuing through mid-June.

Winners of Merit Scholarships are chosen based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments. National Merit evaluators review the finalists’ academic record, the school’s curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, written recommendations from school officials, and information about the student’s activities and leadership, as well as an essay written by the finalist.

Both students are very active at Central. Fultz is a member of the CCHS Cross Country team, Drama team, Teens for Life, Peer Ministry Group, Guys and Girls United To Serve (GUTS), St. Michael Parish Youth Group, and the Bishop’s Youth Board. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Fultz recently received a first place ranking in West Virginia for the National Spanish Level II Exam, earning a national gold medal, and was awarded Central Catholic High School’s Tom Schell Scholarship.

Lasure is a member of the CCHS Volleyball team, Drama Team, Teens for Life, Perry Ministry Group, GUTS, and the St. Michael Parish Youth Group. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Lasure recently received a first place ranking in West Virginia for the National Spanish Level III Exam, earning a national gold medal. This past summer, she was selected to attend the three-week Governor’s Honors Academy (GHA) held at Fairmont State University for West Virginia’s junior scholar students.

With a foundation dating back to the 19th century, a faith-based education stands as the hallmark of Wheeling Central Catholic High School. Located in the heart of The Friendly City, Wheeling Central is proud of its 420-member student body and their outstanding academic, athletic, and community service achievements. One of seven Catholic High Schools in West Virginia, Wheeling Central is where championship lives begin.