When Jeff Cho is not busy attending class, he may be playing tuba in the school band, French horn in the orchestra, singing in the choir, playing varsity basketball or flag football, or leading song service at church. A busy senior at Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy, Cho has been named a National Merit Scholar.

Each year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation administers the Preliminary SAT, which is a standardized test that measures reading, math and writing skills. Students with the highest selection indices, which are the sum of their math, verbal and writing scores, are eligible to be named semifinalists. Only semifinalists are then eligible to compete for the merit scholarships. Ranking at a score of 99th percentile, Cho was selected to receive a national merit scholarship.

The news of Cho’s achievement has been met with excitement. “The teachers are ecstatic about Jeff’s accomplishment,” said Denise White, principal of PHAA. “We all love him and are extremely proud of his achievements. We are pleased to have played a part in his educational experience.”

For Cho himself, he was surprised at the news. “The first thing that went through my head was, ‘Wow,’” said Cho. “My mom always made me study and take a prep workshop for the test, but I was still really surprised. I didn’t think I would win the scholarship.”

Now approaching graduation, Cho has been thinking about his future plans and the college he plans to attend. Eligible for a full tuition scholarship at Pacific Union College, Cho will most likely attend PUC as a pre-dentistry major.

Cho acknowledges that he could not have done it on his own. “I really want to thank my mom, who always made me study, and my family and friends for the blessings they have put in my life.”