National Merit semifinalist: John Rockenbach | Moapa Valley High School

■ What college do you plan on attending and for what major?

I hope to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology and major in computer science. Computer science interests me because I find cybersecurity to be a fascinating and pressing issue in the world today.

■ What extracurricular activities do you participate in?

Student Council, debate, yearbook, Boy Scouts, National Honor Society, Varsity Quiz.

■ What do you do for fun?

I love playing video games, specifically World of Warcraft. I also like to read and play chess.

■ In detail, how did you prepare for the PSAT?

I read over the information that the SAT distributes for the PSAT and took the enclosed practice test the day before I took the PSAT for the second time.

■ Why are grades so important to you?

Grades are important to me because I know that all my hard work now will pay off in the future through scholarships and employment. Also, I'm very competitive and enjoy challenging myself and doing my best.

■ What's your favorite movie and book?

Favorite movie is "National Treasure" and favorite books are the Harry Potter series.

■ What's a guilty pleasure of yours -- such as a TV show, movie or hobby -- and why are you ashamed of liking it?

I still collect Yu-Gi-Oh! cards and duel with my friends. I'm not ashamed of playing Yu-Gi-Oh! but the habit does draw ridicule on occasion. (Yu-Gi-Oh! Is a Japanese comic, and the cards are used for monsters to mock battle)