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BHS Principal Dr. Jay Smith said school officials are proud of Grady for her achievement as well.
"Anytime we're recognized with a national honor it brings a lot of notoriety and attention to our schools," he said. "We welcome any national honor that recognizes our students, and we appreciate the National Merit Corporation for recognizing Amber.
The National Achievement Scholarship Program, is a privately financed academic competition that operates without government assistance. It was initiated in 1964 to recognize academically promising black students throughout the nation and to provide scholarships to a substantial number of the most outstanding program participants.
Grady is the daughter of Emma Coleman, of Brookhaven, and said she hopes to be an endocrinologist when she grows up. She said that choice is based on her love for science.
"It's very logical," she said. "It's a lot of studying, and there are a lot of different areas you can go into."
Grady also participates on two academic teams, band, and the Latin club. She said her time is split between those things and a social life, but that she finds time to keep her grades up just before bed.
"I usually study at night, after I'm done with everything else," she said.
And she hopes her grades and involvement along with honors such as the National Achievement Semifinalist distinction, will help her with her plans to go into pre-med at Mississippi College or the University of Mississippi.
"I just try to work hard and be involved," she said.
According to National Merit Corporation statistics, to date, more than 29,500 students have received Achievement Scholarship awards worth $94 million. Approximately 1,300 Semifinalists are expected to advance to the Finalist level in the 2010 program. All Achievement Scholar awardees will be selected from the finalist group on the basis of their abilities, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
