Walled Lake Western’s Vidya Vuyyuru wins National Merit Scholarship

Walled Lake Western senior Vidya Vuyyuru was named one of 75 National Merit Scholars from the state of Michigan.

“It was really surprising because I didn’t think of myself as being a National Merit Scholar,” said Vuyyuru. “It was a really rewarding experience, so enlightening and fun to see how much I’ve grown over these four years at Walled Lake Western.”

Vuyyuru was chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 finalists nationwide. The National Merit Scholarship program awards $2,500 scholarships annually to 2,500 students that are judged on a combination of accomplishments, skills and potential success in rigorous college studies.

“I’m really happy because that is a lot of money, and it’s going to help my pay for my college tuition,” added Vuyyuru.

Vuyyuru will study computer science at the University of Michigan in the fall. Currently, she’s a member of National Honor Society, DECA, the Get I.T. Club, Indian American Student Association (IASA), and founded Walled Lake Western’s Math Club. Vuyyuru also works as the building’s technology intern.

“We are incredibly proud of Vidya,” said Walled Lake Western principal Amy Pashak. “Her exceptional abilities and unwavering desire to challenge herself have earned her this prestigious award, and we look forward to seeing her bright future unfold.”

Vuyyuru is the second National Merit Scholarship recipient from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools in three years. The last winner was Walled Lake Central’s Siddharth Kotapati in 2022-23.