Local Students Named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists

September 9, 2015

Eight local high school students have been named semifinalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

The students are Jessica K. Amerson of Northview High School; Richard W. Fell of Pensacola Catholic; Anish A. Gupta, Scott A. McGaugh and Colin T. O’Brien of Pensacola High; Colby C. Gilley of Trinitas Christian; Lauren Claire Giffin of Washington High School; and Alexa R. Graham, homeschool.

About 16,000 national semifinalists were announced Tuesday. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

To become a  finalist, the semifinalist and their high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record through-out high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

Pictured: Jessica Amerson, Northview High School.

Comments

3 Responses to “Local Students Named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists”

  1. Bob C. on September 9th, 2015 9:48 pm

    AWESOME……Huge Accomplishment and Honor.
    I know you will use your talents and skills to do Good Things.

  2. The Baggetts on September 9th, 2015 6:45 pm

    Congratulations, Jessica!

  3. Jessica Smith-Jalomo on September 9th, 2015 7:59 am

    Congrats Jessica. Well deserved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News