Norman North senior inducted to National Society of High School Scholars
Mar. 16—A Norman North High School student has been selected to the National Society of High School Scholars.
Asia Turman, a senior, has been selected for the prestigious organization which recognizes high school scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment.
"On behalf of NSHSS and our cofounder Claes Nobel, a member of the family that establishes the Nobel Prizes, I am honored to recognize the hard work, passion, and commitment that Asia has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence," said James W. Lewis, the organization's cofounder. "Asia is now a member of a unique community for scholars — a community that represents our very best hope for the future.
The organization was formed in 2002 and helps students take advantage of college scholarships. It also helps students to pay for college, international study abroad programs, summer programs and graduate school.
Asia told The Transcript that she had heard about the program from her math teacher. She was pleasantly surprised when she found out she had been selected.
"I am elated. This is a happy occasion, and it came when I least expected it," Asia said. "I know I had some great teachers that really respected me, but I never thought I would be enrolled in this great scholarship community."
Next year, she plans to attend Western Governors University where she plans to earn a certification in cybersecurity.
Asia said she has attended Norman North for the last three years, but has bounced around the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, having attended elementary school in Oklahoma City and Carl Albert for middle school and her freshman year in Midwest City.
Ariel Turman, Asia's mother, said she has worked hard for this honor.
"They give this to high school kids that are on a straight A path," Ariel said. "She has worked hard for this."
She said Asia has a talent for digital art, which may be part of Asia's career trajectory.
"She's interested in digital art, and some schools might offer that program," she said.
Ariel said she looks forward to the community, as it will help her pay for books.
"They have a partnership where she will get discounts on books and other things," Ariel said.
After her certification at Western Governor's, Asia may attend school at the University of Oklahoma or Tulsa University.
"If she wants to live in the dorms, they help with other scholarships," Ariel said.
Asia said she is interested in art as a hobby and will consider it as well.
"I've always had a touch for art. I have been dabbling into digital arts and digital media. I'm trying to get it as a creative hobby," Asia said.
Brian King covers education and politics for The Transcript. Reach him at bking@normantranscript.com.
