

Five high school seniors from the Francis Howell School District have been selected for recognition as part of the 2019 Missouri Scholars 100, a program that honors 100 of Missouri’s highest achieving students. Missouri Scholars 100 is sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. Schools are invited to nominate two candidates for recognition. Each student nominated has to first meet the criteria of an Academic Decathlon, which includes 10 events designed to test the academic strength of each student.

To be selected as a member of Missouri Scholars 100, students must have a minimum 3.75 GPA, have a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1900, be ranked in the upper ten percent of the class, and have taken upper-level courses in mathematics, science, English, and a foreign language. The students must also have excellent attendance, be exemplary school citizens, and be involved in school activities.

FHSD is honored to have such talented and determined students represent our high schools this year. Congratulations to the following seniors:



Arianna Chaves (FHN) is ranked number one in her senior class of approximately 400 students. She was recognized as an AP Scholar with distinction and a National Merit Semi-Finalist and received a perfect score on her ACT. Chaves is involved in numerous clubs at FHN, but marching band has been one of her most important activities in high school. She has been named FHN’s Outstanding Musician every year and this year took on the leadership position of Section Leader for the band.

David Yang (FHHS) is one of only 15,000 students in the United States to be named a National Merit Finalist. He is a National AP Scholar and scored a 36 on his ACT after his freshmen year in high school. He received the 2018 Award for Excellence in Research Award for his work in the Students and Teachers as Research Scientists (STARS) program at Washington University. Yang is also captain of the boys swim team and is involved in the Scholar Bowl, National Honors Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. In October, he served as a student representative at the Board of Education meeting.

Sarah Reider (FHHS) won gold at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) competition for her work in the environmental ambassador category focused on energy use and the impact on our community. She was named an AP Scholar with Distinction and is a member of the National Honors Society at FHHS. She holds an officer position in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and is involved in the girls track team, Mu Alpha Theta, and SkillsUSA.

Stephanie Monson (FHC) was named an AP Scholar with distinction this year, as well as a National Merit Semifinalist. She earned a 36 on her ACT, serves as president of her senior class, and is a member of the National Honors Society. Monson has represented FHC at the Missouri Leadership Seminar and has participated in The Boeing Company Engineering Explorer Post the past two years. She is also involved in a variety of clubs, including Arete, Varsity Scholar Bowl, French Club, and band. She has received a variety of awards and recognition as a musician and an ice skater.

Michael Yu (FHC) was named a National AP Scholar in 2018 and scored a 36 on his ACT. He has challenged himself academically by taking a majority of Honors and AP courses. In addition, he is actively involved at FHC and participates in a variety of activities including tennis, swimming, Quizbowl, NHS, HOSA, Math Club, and Boeing Engineering.



*Hannah Zimmerman (FHN) was named as an honorable mention for Missouri Scholars 100.

