David Hergenroeder

Martin Wang (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – David Hergenroeder and Martin Wang, seniors at Bob Jones High School, have been named semifinalists in the 2013 Presidential Scholar Program.

The White House Commission of Presidential Scholars soon will select state finalists. “Only nine Alabamians and 550 nationwide are semifinalists, out of 3.2 million graduating seniors,” college and career readiness advisor Sheila P. Roberts said.

“My full scores in SAT and ACT are a significant factor,” Wang said. “However, the program takes a holistic view of academics and extracurriculars.” Wang believes his college essays ‘defined his direction’ and improved his application. He also acknowledged Bob Jones teachers and counselors.

Wang grew up in Hacienda Heights, Calif. In 2008, the family moved here for his father’s work as a chief engineer at The Boeing Company. His parents are Hanching Grant Martin and Junwen Lily Sun, a homemaker. His sister Megan will enter doctoral study in neuroscience at Stanford University in August.

Wang is a National Merit Scholar Finalist, Eagle Scout and varsity swim team captain and state’s first-place winner in 200-yard relay. He was team captain for the state champion Computer Science Team and award-winning Math Team and participated in Scholar’s Bowl.

Hergenroeder said he couldn’t pinpoint reasons for his selection as semifinalist, “especially among all the other extremely accomplished nominees.”

With both parents in the U.S. Army, Hergenroeder has lived in Germany, Virginia, Hawaii and Texas. In 2004, they moved here for his father’s work as a program manager at Redstone Arsenal after he retired from the military.

“I’ve lived in Madison for much longer than I’ve lived anywhere else,” Hergenroeder said. His parents are David and Melanie Hergenroeder. Melanie is a homemaker.

David’s brother John graduated from Washington University in St. Louis. His sister Laura is a junior at the University of Alabama.

David is a National Merit Finalist, recipient of the Bryant-Jordan scholar-athlete scholarship and state-level Good Citizens Award by Daughters of the American Revolution. His activities include Student Government Association executive board, Spanish Club, varsity cross-country, indoor track and soccer.