(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Jan. 25, 2024) – The El Paso Independent School District is proud to announce three of its students are semifinalists for the highly acclaimed National Merit Scholarship.
The National Merit Scholarship is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The National Merit Scholarship awards $2,500 to each National Merit Scholar.
El Paso ISD spoke with one of the semifinalists, Judson McGinnes, a senior at Coronado High School, who has a passion for math and political science.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and I’ve been with El Paso ISD almost all my life. I started my elementary classes at Mitzi Bond. Then, from second to fifth grade, I went to Western Hills. I then went to Morehead Middle School and finally arrived at Coronado High School.
How do you feel about being named as a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship?
I think it’s great! It’s a big honor to become a semifinalist because, historically, very few people in El Paso have received the recognition. So, it’s nice to be named as one of the semifinalists.
What’s your favorite school subject?
I’ve always loved math. It seems intuitive. There’s not a lot of room for interpretation. I also feel that math is universally applicable to everyday life.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
It’s tough to say because I’ve changed my career aspirations so much over the years. At one point I would have said that I would enjoy working in investment banking, but during another point in my life, I would have said working in quantum finance. Then I think how awesome it would be to work at Capitol Hill or something of that nature. Those are probably the most likely professions I will choose to work in, but I don’t have a particular career that I’m really set on right now. I think as different opportunities come up, you discover various areas where you might see something that you might really enjoy.
What college do you plan on attending?
I would really like to go to Princeton. Yale is cool, too. I applied to both colleges, and I will see what they say at the end of March.
Are you involved in any organizations?
I am active in the debate club. I’ve been active in that club for two years. I’ve also been very active in DECA. I’ve also founded my own finance club here at Coronado. I am also a part of a service project outside of school that I’ve been working on and I’m proud of.
Did anyone inspire you along your journey?
Firstly, my parents who have had the biggest influence over me. My mom has been with me the whole way. Sometimes I feel that I don’t deserve her help or everything she has given me, but nonetheless she’s always there for me. Whatever I needed, she’s always there for me. My dad has also been extremely influential and has instilled me with this work ethic. He has always told me that education is my meal ticket. Both my parents have placed a high value on education, which I think has been instrumental for me. My grandparents have done the same. My seventh-grade math, algebra 2, and statistics teachers were great. My English teacher was also very influential to me and helped me to see the course in a new light. I also got help from two other students who are now at Princeton. They helped tutor me and were very helpful in my studies.
Do you have any hobbies, or do you participate in anything outside of school?
I love music, especially hard rock and metal. I’ve started practicing on the electric guitar during the pandemic and I’ve never put it down since. It’s one of the best things I’ve done. The guitar is just therapeutic for me. I also like video games and playing basketball. I used to play basketball, so sometimes I’ll get around and shoot some hoops.
Do you have any advice for students?
I would say that education is probably the most important thing in your life when it comes to terms of influencing a better life for you. I think it’s important to always seek out knowledge because education and knowledge will last forever. I believe those two traits will help get you the job or place you want to go. Another piece of advice is to always stay curious. There’s a lot of interesting things going on in the world and you’re better off knowing what is happening than being uninformed about things. One last thing is to always have a balanced life. Don’t overwork yourself because you can burn out quickly and won’t be able to focus on your academics.
Learn more: https://youtu.be/thmjFs4OzKE?feature=shared