MADISON – Ayomide Ayokanmbi, a senior at Bob Jones High School, has earned the title of National Achievement Scholar.

Ayomide Ayokanmbi is a National Achievement Scholar. (CONTRIBUTED)

These scholars are African-American students with high-level scores on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), the qualifying exam for competitions with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Gabrielle Daso also was named a National Achievement Scholar.

“These students are truly the brightest of the bright,” Bob Jones Principal Robby Parker said. “I couldn’t be more proud of these students. Their accomplishments are a direct result on their abilities and hard work, their parents and great teachers they’ve had at Bob Jones and throughout Madison City Schools.”

For Ayokanmbi, math, science and Spanish classes “are all fun, exciting and challenging subjects that invoke thoughtful discussions and critical thinking that impact everyday life.”

Ayokanmbi participates in Junior Civitan, Physics Club, National Honor Society, Senior Senate, Spanish Club and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA).

“I have received the President’s Education Award and multiple Science Olympiad awards,” Ayokanmbi said. “I am a National Society of High School Scholars inductee.”

In service work, Ayokanmbi volunteers at the Wound Care Clinic at Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library and Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen to distribute food to homeless individuals. His hobbies are playing and watching sports, ‘hanging out’ with friends and listening to music.

Ayomide’s parents are Michael and Gladys Ayokanmbi.

Sheila P. Roberts, college and career advisor at Bob Jones, said Ayomide is a very accomplished student. “About 1,600 high-scoring participants in each year’s National Achievement Scholarship Program are designated semifinalists. In late January, approximately 1,300 semifinalists are notified they qualify as finalists,” Roberts said.

In February 2014, 800 finalists are notified as recipients of a National Achievement Scholarship. Officials choose scholarship winners from finalists, based on their abilities and accomplishments without consideration of financial circumstances or college choice.

“Regardless of how much the National Achievement program awards the finalists, they will all be eligible for those same tuition scholarships at most state colleges and universities,” Robert said.