Weston, age five, wearing Power Ranger gloves and carrying a ninja sword. I think the stuffed Barney is the perfect finishing touch.
The first round of National Merit Scholarship winners were announced in press releases across the country yesterday. I’ve known for several weeks that Weston was a corporate scholarship winner and therefore no longer a finalist but a National Merit Scholar, but wasn’t allowed to say it until after the official public announcement of the corporate winners was made on April 20. There is a series of announcements over several months releasing the names of 2011 National Merit Scholars, based on what type of scholarship they were awarded. Weston received a corporate scholarship (which is one of the higher dollar scholarships, almost twice as much as the standard National Merit Scholarship award). I knew his name should be on the corporate scholarship press release in West Virginia and then it wasn’t and I almost had a heart attack. Three or four phone calls to the National Merit Scholarship offices later, they finally figured out that when he had originally taken the PSAT, he had coded the wrong state code and somehow all through this program, that code has lingered in the dark recesses of their system to reappear when they generated their press releases. His announcement was sent in the press release to Washington state media instead of West Virginia. The press releases with the names are actually released by the media, in combination with the local towns and high schools of the recipients. A whole bunch of newspaper offices all over Washington state were probably really wondering who this Weston person was who had a high school listed in Spencer, West Virginia, and threw out his name. (Yes, they had his high school down right.) So nobody in West Virginia ever got his name. And nobody in Washington state could figure out what they were doing with his name. So his name wasn’t published. And I almost had a heart attack.
Anyway! They are sending a new announcement out today with Weston’s name to the media in West Virginia, but I am allowed to say so now. HE IS A NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR!!!!
I’m going to go take some Valium now. (Just kidding! MAYBE.)
Casie says:
Congrats!! What a wonderful opportunity for Weston!!
On April 21, 2011 at 12:57 pm
Beth says:
Oh that’s just terrific news, and I even needed to hear some good news today. Congratulations! So excited for Weston and family!
On April 21, 2011 at 12:58 pm
JerseyMom says:
Congratulations to both of you! That’s awesome!!!
On April 21, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Carmen C. says:
That’s awesome!!! Congrats to Weston! Now just hope he doesn’t see that pic you posted of him, LOL!!!
On April 21, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Maria says:
You should be very proud of your son! Congratulations!
On April 21, 2011 at 1:02 pm
SandyCWV says:
Oh boy. He’s not planning on majoring in Geography is he? Just Kidding!!
CONGRATS! That is wonderful news. Glad to know kids are still competing for and being awarded these scholarships.
On April 21, 2011 at 1:03 pm
ladychef68 says:
What an amazing acomplishment! Congratulations to Weston, and also to you, for helping him achieve his lofty goals. :snoopy:
On April 21, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Jen R. (emeraldsunshine.org) says:
Congratulations Weston!!
On April 21, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Shelley (eastern Roane County) says:
What a great accomplishment for Weston. Congratulations to both son and Mom!
On April 21, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Leah's Mom says:
Yes, Contrats! :snoopy:
(And, I have to say, I’m not even his mom and I had that icky feeling in my chest as I was reading the post because I was afraid you were going to say that since he coded the wrong state they disqualified him!!!)
On April 21, 2011 at 1:32 pm
skippymom says:
Just lovely Suzanne. Please give Weston our best! Congratulations to all.
On April 21, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Melissa Marsh says:
Oh my goodness, this is SO WONDERFUL!!! :snoopy: Congratulations, Suzanne! You did an excellent job of raising him!!! 🙂
Congrats, Weston!
On April 21, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Robin says:
Good Job Weston! :snoopy:
On April 21, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Diane says:
Congratulations to you both!!! Great job! :snoopy:
On April 21, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Zusiqu says:
You must be so proud!
On April 21, 2011 at 1:40 pm
CATRAY44 says:
Congratulations to you both! (I recommend a glass of homemadewine, lol.)
On April 21, 2011 at 1:41 pm
Susan says:
Awesome !!! Congratulations Weston !!!
Congratulations to his mom too !!! Great job !!!
On April 21, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Pamela Adkins says:
Congrats to Weston! I, too, was a National Merit Scholar. That was way back (1972) and far away (Michigan). Hope he continues to find much success! :shimmy:
On April 21, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Jessica says:
Woohoo Weston! Congratulations!! :woof: :snoopy:
On April 21, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Rose C. says:
Congrats! This is a big honor for him, and yes I would still be on the floor! Have a glass of wine and enjoy the moment!
On April 21, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Debi says:
That’s awesome!! Congratulations!!! :snoopy:
On April 21, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Judy D in WA says:
Congratulations to Weston and to Mom! That is very exciting and thanks for sharing him with us in Washington State. :shimmy:
On April 21, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Marge says:
Congratulations, Weston! What an accomplishment! Smarts will get you everywhere (smile)and combine that with your good upbringing and you will go far! Keep up the good work! And congratulations to you too, Suzanne! You have an awesome family!
On April 21, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Carrie Johnston says:
Congrats Weston!! And you are gonna NEED that valium after he sees that photo you posted of him. I bet you get in TROUUBBLE!
On April 21, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Pete says:
WAAAAAAAY cool. And wonderful!! :snoopy:
Congrats, Weston!!
On April 21, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Sandra says:
So happy for you and Weston!
With four who graduated from UT Austin, I know how expensive college can be.
Go out into this big world, Weston, and make West Virginia proud!
On April 21, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Miss HomeEcs Daughter says:
CONGRATULATIONS WESTON!!! What an awesome reward for hard work.
On April 21, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Anke says:
That’s wonderful!! Congratulations Weston!!!
On April 21, 2011 at 3:06 pm
morningstar says:
Wonderfull news I am so thrilled for you all. It has made my day reading all about it.
On April 21, 2011 at 3:07 pm
GrammieEarth says:
That’s the best news I’ve heard all week. Congratulations Weston! Well done.
On April 21, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Blessing from a Wildflower says:
Congratulations to Weston!!! from us here folks in Michigan!!!
~~HUGS for All~~~
On April 21, 2011 at 3:17 pm
CoF says:
You must be fit to burst Mamma, congratulations to Weston but even mroe so to you, good job.
On April 21, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Susanna Danna says:
How awesome is that? What a great early Mothers Day gift..hard work has it rewards, both for Mother and child. Congrats to both of you!!
On April 21, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Marion says:
Congratulations Weston! (and Suzanne) This is an accomplishment you should be very proud of.
On April 21, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Ramona says:
Congratulations!
That is wonderful news.
On April 21, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Michelle says:
HipHip, Hurray!!!
On April 21, 2011 at 4:03 pm
mmhoney says:
Just a bit of advise/ it won’t cost you anything.
Many times the truly gifted fail because details seems to be a waste of time. They go into the “I can’t believe it mode.” Slow down and smell the roses. Sloppy response can cost you money in the long run….When your money is gone it is gone. You were lucky this time…….
On April 21, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Scout says:
Congrats!
On April 21, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Becky says:
WOW!!!! Congratulations!!!!
On April 21, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Whaledancer says:
Wonderful! Congratulations to Weston and to his proud mom. That not only helps him complete college, but for the rest of his life “National Merit Scholar” will look so good on his curriculum vitae.
On April 21, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Yvonne says:
He was (and still is) so dang cute!!! :yes: Congratulations!!! :shimmy:
On April 21, 2011 at 5:03 pm
brookdale says:
Congratulations, Weston! And Mom too!
On April 21, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Rose H says:
Many, many congratulations Weston! How did you manage to keep the news to yourself Suzanne? I’d have shouted it from the rooftops 😆
On April 21, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Judy says:
Congrats Weston!!!!
On April 21, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Sandra in SC says:
Woohoo!!!! That is fabulous…..congratulations to Weston!!!
On April 21, 2011 at 5:52 pm
perry says:
Congratulations to Weston!!! What an achievement! i know you are very very proud of him.
On April 21, 2011 at 6:45 pm
pam from ohio says:
This is the most exciting news!! Congratulations Weston! You are on your way to a fabulous college life. And congratulations to you, Suzanne for instilling in your children the value of hard work, both physical and mental.
On April 21, 2011 at 7:23 pm
bonita del rey says:
AAArgh, where would life be without its bumps in the road to remind us we’re human…Felt your disappointment and momentary panic Phew! Thanks goodness we’ve got all these electronic records and such to help clear up simple OOOP’s. Congrats to Weston & Suzanne
On April 21, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Tobey says:
How wonderful! I am so pleased for you and Weston.
On April 21, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Pat in Eastern NC says:
Congratulations, Weston!!! (and Mom) Best wishes for much success in college. :snoopy:
On April 21, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Vicki says:
Congratulations! He must get his smarts from his mama! You know they DO say that boys inherit their intelligence from their mothers! Seriously!
On April 21, 2011 at 8:52 pm
claudia w says:
WONDERFUL!!! Congratulations to Weston.
Breathe Suzanne, breathe…
On April 21, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Cheryl says:
Congratulations Weston!! I know you made your momma proud! 🙂
On April 21, 2011 at 9:21 pm
wvhomecanner says:
CONGRATULATIONS WESTON!! (and his Mama LOL)
dede
On April 21, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Linda Zoldoske says:
Wow! Congratulations to Weston!
On April 21, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Connie says:
Wooooooooohoooooooooooo! Congrats Weston!
On April 21, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Connie B says:
Congrats to Weston on all his hard work and to his mom and siblings for their fine job in helping him. Best of wishes to him as he finishes this chapter of his life and heads off to college. No doubt he will go far in life.
On April 21, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Senta Sandberg says:
So proud and happy for you all.
On April 22, 2011 at 1:59 am
Nic, SD says:
Congratulations! What a well-deserved honor! I’m so happy for you guys!!!
(PS is it weird for your kids that a bunch of strangers on the internets are totally rooting for them?)
On April 22, 2011 at 3:30 am
Jane says:
Congratulations Weston!! (and you also Suzanne!) I am happy for you both:D :snoopy:
On April 22, 2011 at 5:26 am
Lisa says:
:woof: Congratulations !! :woof:
On April 22, 2011 at 7:34 am
Jen M. says:
Congrats! That is wonderful news!
On April 22, 2011 at 7:37 am
Barbie says:
Congratulations to Weston!!! The very best to you at WVU!!!!!
On April 22, 2011 at 9:20 am
Darlene says:
Congratulations Weston!
On April 22, 2011 at 5:15 pm
AnnieB says:
I am soooo happy for you and Weston. What an amazing young man he is! Congratulations to you both!
On April 22, 2011 at 8:37 pm
zteagirl71 says:
Awe man. When I first saw the photo, it looked like Weston was going to play a game of “Interrogate The Spy” staring Barney that horrid purple menace! :chicken:
On March 2, 2014 at 12:20 am