EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence High School's Sarasvati Buchta has been chosen to receive a 2021 National Merit Scholarship, presented annually by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Only 15,000 were selected as finalists for the prizes from around the country were named earlier this year. The selections were based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, essays, and recommendations from teachers and staff.

Buchta, of Rumford, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. She is considering studying Environmental Engineering in college. Buchta was one of just seven students from Rhode Island to receive the award and among 7,500 from across the country.

To be selected as a finalist, the student and a high school official submitted a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. The student must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and write an essay.