Update: Jonathan Pittman and Matthew Leopard were named National Merit Finalists!

National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists

Jonathan Pittman and Matthew Leopard are congratulated by Dr. Joseph Olson

September 11, 2007

While many high school seniors will spend the year stressing over scholarships, two Athens Bible School students are breathing a little easier.  ABS seniors Matthew Leopard and Jonathan Pittman were recently named National Merit Semifinalists.  This distinction is based on scores from the preliminary SAT test (PSAT) taken their junior year, and it guarantees them that at least a portion of their college expenses will be covered.

Academic success is nothing new for these two, but they also excel in other areas. They are both involved in athletics, church, and community activities.  “Both Jonathan and Matthew are extremely bright students, but more importantly, they are good people,” says Athens Bible School principal Dr. Joseph Olson.

Matthew is the son of Jeff and Joy Leopard.  He is a member of Scholar’s Bowl, History Club, Robotics Team, Beta Club, National Society of High School Scholars, Who’s Who Among America’s High School Students, and the National Honor Society.  He has received awards from the Duke TIP Talent Search, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and Junior American Citizens, and has won Junior and Senior Beta Club Social Studies awards and two Geography Bee awards. He participated in Alabama Boys State, and has been a class officer twice. He is active in his youth group at Central Church of Christ, participating in several community service activities.  These include Spring into Action, Hurricane Ivan Cleanup, North Carolina Vacation Bible School, several canned food drives, and assisting at Childhaven and Rainbow Omega.  He played baseball and plays varsity basketball this year.  After high school, Matthew plans to attend UAH and major in mechanical engineering.

Jonathan is the son of Don and Donna Pittman.  He played alto sax in the ABS band, winning several awards.  He was also recognized by Duke TIP, Who’s Who among America’s High School Students, and National Honor Society.  In addition, he participated in National Youth Leadership Forums in Washington, DC and Australia, and has been elected a class officer several years. He has been a member of Scholar’s Bowl, Student Council, History Club, and Beta Club.  Jonathan has participated in basketball, track, and cross country, winning first in sectionals and fifth in state in cross country last year.  Like Matthew, he also attends Central Church of Christ and is active in the youth group there.  Jonathan participated in many of the same community service projects listed above, and he has also taught Bible classes at the church.  Jonathan hopes to major in liberal arts at Vanderbilt next year.

photos by Joyce Buchanan 

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