Poplar Bluff High School has produced its second consecutive National Merit Scholarship Program finalist, and they happen to be siblings.
PBHS senior Claire Funke was presented a certificate of merit this month through the 71st annual NMSP after being selected as one of just over 15,000 top students across the country, following on the heels of finalist Jack Funke, salutatorian of the Class of 2025.
Also climbing toward the top of her class, Claire earned a perfect ACT superscore on her college admissions test earlier this school year. When they were upperclassmen together, Claire and her older brother helped secure the championship in the Senior Quiz Bowl at the National Beta Convention over the summer in Orlando.
“Claire’s academic record speaks for itself,” wrote school counselor Adam Moeller in his letter of recommendation. “…Claire is the kind of student who raises the standards of every community she joins.”
Moeller first had the privilege of knowing Claire while serving as a science teacher at Junior High when she was in the eighth grade. He recalled how she possessed a “natural aptitude for learning,” she “elevated the classroom discussion” with insightful questions, and “distinguished herself through her curiosity.”
“She is disciplined yet humble, ambitious yet thoughtful,” Moeller continued. “Whether she is leading a group, performing at a high level, or engaging in challenging academic pursuits, she does so with integrity and a quiet confidence that inspires those around her.”
Claire is president of the PBHS Beta, Literary and Math clubs, she is varsity team captain of the Academic Team, serves as drum major in the Sho-Me Marching Band, is first chair oboist in the Wind Ensemble, and a two-year varsity letterman for the Swim Team. Additionally, she was selected to attend the Missouri Scholars Academy through the University of Missouri Honors College.
According to Claire’s application, she listed the University of Pittsburgh as her top college, where she would like to major in genetics with a desire to become a geneticist or researcher; however, she is seeking admission to a number of choice institutions, thus remains undecided with regard to her undergraduate studies.
When asked about the source of her and Jack's intellectual drive, given their status among the top one percent in the nation based on preliminary SAT scores, Claire simply replied that with all the support and resources they have been afforded in life, “We just feel we have to do our best. There’s no excuse.”
Beginning next month, nearly 7,000 scholarships valued at approximately $26 million will be awarded among the finalists, underwritten by the not-for-profit and its business partners, higher education institutions and individual donors. The recipients will join about 389,000 distinguished scholars since the establishment of the NMSP in 1955 to honor national scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.
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Cutline: Adam Moeller, PBHS counselor, presents senior Claire Funke with a certificate of merit on Friday, March 6, for being selected as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.