ALEXANDRIA, Va. (7News) — Four more Fairfax County schools failed to tell students about national merit award recognition in a timely fashion, 7News learned Friday.
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Edison High School in Alexandria, along with Lewis High School, West Potomac High School and Annandale High School announced on their website that notifications did not go out on time last fall.
"As part of our ongoing review of FCPS practices, it has come to light that notifications to Edison High School students designated as Commended Students this past fall were also delayed," Edison Principal Pamela Brumfield said. "While we were able to mark this achievement with a celebration of these students in late November, the notifications happened later than we had hoped."
According to the National Merit Scholarship program’s website, high schoolers must take the PSAT to initially screen for the scholarship. Program recognition and awards include commended students, semifinalists, finalists, and the winners of the National Merit $2500 scholarships. There are also corporate-sponsored and college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards and other special scholarships.
In this case, Fairfax County Public Schools explained the error had to do with commended students. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation explains those students can’t continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships but some can compete for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.
When it comes to impacting college applications and including this recognition in that process for admission or potential other scholarships, the district said in a statement counselors sent emails and made follow-up calls to the colleges where these students had applied and informed them once they were aware of the mistake.
READ MORE: Loudoun Co. superintendent says at least 3 schools didn't notify students of merit awards
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares is already investigating Fairfax County Public Schools after the same problem happened at three other schools.
READ ALSO: AG Miyares expands merit awards investigation to Fairfax County Public Schools system
Edison High said it's reaching out to colleges to which affected students applied.