(This article, reprinted with permission, featuring brand new alum Peter Rodgers, class of 2008, appeared in Bexley News on June 10, 2008)  6/16/08

National Merit funds put Rodgers on route to Purdue

By NICHOLAS A. LA TORRE

Peter Rodgers, a recent Bexley High School graduate and National Merit Scholarship winner, has added to the foundation his parents built for him in terms of a successful education.

By keeping studies and education his top priority in a busy schedule of extracurricular activities, Rodgers will pursue a future in his dream career field -- engineering.

"I feel like my parents raised me with an emphasis on my education that made me set my priorities, which led to successes in academics," Rodgers said.

Rodgers has received a $1,000 college-sponsored National Merit Scholarship from Purdue University, where he plans to begin studies in the fall.

Purdue is among the 25 largest colleges and universities in the nation and its West Lafayette campus enrollment exceeds 34,000.

He was accepted into its Honors School, and although he has not chosen which sequence he will pursue in engineering, he said chemical engineering is a definite possibility.

"I liked Purdue because it was a big enough school that I would have the freedom to choose which type of engineering when I decided," Rodgers said.

As a cross country and track runner, a lead trumpet player in the school's marching band, jazz and concert bands as well as a member of full orchestra, Rodgers has had a full plate the past four years. Among other things, he hopes he leaves a legacy with Bexley's cross country team and band.

"Hopefully, kids will recognize my dedication and continue strong," Rodgers said. "I know I'll be remembered for leaving impressions and starting traditions on the cross country team."

Rodgers said he talked nine of his teammates into painting themselves blue to root on a fellow runner in the state cross country tournament. He said he hopes his enthusiasm for everything he took part in at Bexley will spread to others in the school.

Rodgers' scores on the 2007 college-level Advanced Placement Program exams helped him to achieve recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction in October. AP Scholar with Distinction Awards are given to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Having won his fair share of academic awards, Rodgers said the National Merit Scholarship was the best kind of validation.

"It felt great. Like my hard work was paying off toward the end," Rodgers said. "It's nice to be recognized for your successes."

Without the help from Bexley High School teachers and coaches, Rodgers said he would not have achieved all that he has.

Rodgers solidified his place in Bexley history when he was named to the Cum Laude society during commencement June 1.

"I feel like my parents raised me with an emphasis on my education that made me set my priorities, which led to successes in academics."

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