7 Win National Merit Scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. has awarded $2,000 scholarships to seven Ventura County high school seniors, recognizing their high academic achievement and community contributions.

Based on test scores, leadership activity, references and essays, the Evanston, Ill.-based organization will award the scholarships this week to 2,200 high school seniors nationwide. Local winners are:

* Vicki Chou of Oak Park, who attends La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks. She plans a career in economics and has been a school newspaper editor.

* Patrick W. Fisher of Thousand Oaks, who attends Thousand Oaks High School. He plans a career in mechanical engineering and has played varsity water polo.

* Helena M. Horak of Westlake Village, who attends Westlake High School. She plans a medical career and has been a tennis player and instructor.

* John C. Huang of Camarillo, who attends Rio Mesa High in El Rio. He plans a career in medicine and has served as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

* Cynthia L. Lee of Camarillo, who attends the Thacher School in Ojai. She plans a career in education and English literature and has been a library aide.

* Spike N. Loy of Ojai, who attends Ojai’s Nordhoff High School. He plans a career in genetics and has played varsity soccer.

* Jennifer A. Sherman of Simi Valley, who attends Viewpoint School in Calabasas. She plans a career in electrical engineering and has been a member of the school’s literary magazine.