Ford is a National Merit Scholar

Wes Ford has big goals and he's making the most of his opportunities at Sisters High School to make sure he reaches them.

"My motivation for academics is to create a foundation for success later on in life," said Ford, a National Merit Commended Scholar and National Achievement Semifinalist.

Ford attended the Tumalo Community School from kindergarten to seventh grade and has been part of the Sisters School District ever since.

Ford qualified for the National Merit Scholarship and became a Commended Student Scholar when he excelled in his junior year PSAT, a standardized test that prepares students for college entrance SATs. Ford is a semifinalist and in the running for becoming a finalist for the National Achievement Scholarship program, a parallel award for African American students.

Accompanying his National Merit honor, Ford has quite the list of accomplishments and awards. He will have completed four AP (advanced placement) classes by the time of graduation, has served over 370 hours of community service and won numerous academic and musical awards.

He received the outstanding student award in anatomy and physiology, biology and mathematics. Ford also received the outstanding musician award from three widely-known jazz festivals in Oregon and Nevada.

Ford is involved in leadership, Key and Sparrow Clubs.

His future goal is owning and managing a business.

"I really like organizing people, creating projects and planning events," said Ford.

With a 4.1 grade point average, Ford has set his standards remarkably high, pushing himself above and beyond what is expected.

"I'm trying to take as many classes in high school so I can excel in college and find a good career," he said.

As an actively involved leadership student, Ford says that "helping out my community by trying to make Sisters a better place for my peers, my family and everyone" is his incentive for his leadership participation.

Ford has attended leadership conferences and retreats and has been part of student government throughout high school. He is currently the student body president, is a member of the Superintendent's High School Administrative Council, and this year rewrote the Sisters High School constitution.

Although his plans in elementary school of becoming a policeman have since changed, Ford aims high and looks forward to his promising future after high school.

"I plan to go to a small liberal arts school or a university. And eventually I will earn a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). After I graduate I hope to go into business somewhere, or even start my own company. I'm interested in being an entrepreneur as well," said Ford.

Ford is an accomplished jazz pianist, and says music is one of his many passions. Music, skiing and mountain biking take up the free time he rarely is able to find. Ford plays clarinet and accordion as well.

Editor's note: Wes Ford is one of four National Merit Scholars whom The Nugget will profile in coming weeks.