Vibhav Puvvala, who graduated from Crofton High School this week, is the sole AACPS recipient of a coveted scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Puvvala is among 2,900 scholars from across the nation who will each receive between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study. Puvvala plans to study economics at the University of Alabama. 
National Merit Scholars earn the honor based on their excellent academic records, standardized test performances, school and community leadership, essay submissions, and high school recommendations.
With an additional 3,900 corporate-sponsored and $2,500 single-payment scholarships previously announced, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will award about $26 million this year.