Dave Atkinson '70 has been named a National Merit Scholar for 1970.

The fifteenth annual Merit Program began in February 1969, when 750,000 students took the National Merit test. This test covers English usage, mathematics usage, social studies reading, natural science, and word usage. Any junior is eligible to take this test.

Being a winner of this nationwide test, Dave will receive $1,000 toward any regionally accredited college and pursue any course of study leading to one of the usual bachelor degrees. This money is donated by the Monsanto Company. The money will go toward Dave's enrollment at the University of Illinois, Champaign‑Urbana. He will major in either chemical engineering or computer science. He will enroll as a James Scholar.

Dave Atkinson is also the winner of the Constitution test from Maine West. The basic purpose of this contest is to encourage a more serious study of the Constitution.

Dave will receive $300 in cash from the contest. The money will go to further his education.

The test scorers then competed on the final oral examination on April 28, 1970. The oral exam covered the students interpretation of the Constitution. This test was sponsored by the American Legion and has been in existence for 35 years.