Three Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ seniors named National Merit Scholarship finalists

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools is proud to announce that three students have been named finalists for the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship: Ari Fried, Aiden Rhee and Brandon Rice.

Walled Lake Central senior Ari Fried will attend the University of Michigan and plans to study industrial or mechanical engineering. He’s a member of the Walled Lake Marching Band and the Walled Lake Robotics Team 308. Fried has also served as both president and vice president of his BBYO Chapter and sings in the Temple Israel choir.

“I am very honored and happy that I have the opportunity to earn a National Merit Scholarship,” said Fried. “It means a lot to be recognized as a semifinalist.”

“Ari is a fantastic student and a good person,” said Walled Lake Central principal Kyle Meteyer. “We are proud of his accomplishments in the National Merit Scholarship program.”

Walled Lake Northern senior Brandon Rice will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Kettering University. He’s a member of National Honor Society and the Knights’ Strategic Games Club. Rice also attends Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC), where he is studying engineering and is a member of the OSTC Robotics Team 7553.

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Rice. “When we were going through the application process, I remember thinking it was a slim chance but it would be so awesome if I could get even as far as a semifinalist. It’s unexpected, but it’s an honor.”

Walled Lake Western senior Aiden Rhee will attend the University of Michigan and will major in either data science or electrical engineering, as well as pursue a Master’s degree. Rhee holds leadership roles serving as a team captain of the Walled Lake Robotics Team 7178 and Vice President of the Volunteer Traditional Korean Drum Group. He also is a member of National Honor Society, played varsity tennis as a sophomore, serves on the KPCMD Youth Media Team at Church, and works at Fox Run Senior Home as a dining server. Rhee received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in 2024 as well for his more than 350 hours of volunteer work.

“I am really proud because my parents really supported me all my life, and I am proud to give back some progress towards them,” said Rhee. “It’s satisfying to see all my hard work to come together and get rewarded.”

"We are so proud of Aiden and this incredible recognition as a National Merit Semifinalist,” said Walled Lake Western principal Amy Pashak. “He is not only an outstanding scholar but also a kind and hardworking young man who gives his best in everything he does, from leading our robotics team to serving his community. Aiden truly represents the heart of what it means to be a Warrior, and we are excited to see all that he will accomplish in the future."

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation awards nearly $28 million in scholarships each year. Finalists will be announced in the spring, then approximately half of those academically talented seniors will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.