Twelve Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts seniors qualified as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.
The National Merit Scholarship Corp. announced the names of the Semifinalists for the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program on Wednesday. The students will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million that will be offered next spring.
ASMSA students named Semifinalists are:
• Martin Boerwinkle of El Dorado, the son of David and Robin Boerwinkle;
• Tenzing Briggs of Jasper, son of Robert Briggs and Kim Corrette of Parthenon;
• Tyler Brightwell of Cave City, son of Johnny and Jessica Brightwell;
• Carson Cato of Bryant, son of Lori Clark and Kelly Cato;
• Joseph Davidson of Ozark, son of Michael and Jean Davidson;
• Brock Davis of Hot Springs, son of Doris and Will Davis;
• Juliet Green of Malvern, daughter of John Green;
• Jackson Gregory of Hot Springs, son of Bob and Denise Gregory;
• Dillon Meaders of Bryant, son of Kim and Mike Meaders;
• Joe Sartini of Benton, son of Becky and Joe Sartini;
• Kim Sloan of Harrison, daughter of James and Liz Sloan; and
• Hanah Streett of Little Rock, daughter of Rebecca and David Streett.
To be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as a junior. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of anticipated graduating seniors.
“It is appropriate at this time of year to stop and recognize these students for their performance on the PSAT, said Bob Gregory, dean of academic affairs at ASMSA. “This recognition opens doors for scholarship opportunities that they would not otherwise have. I look forward to hearing about the interesting and exciting things these students will be doing in the future.”
Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist standing, including a detailed scholarship application that includes information about a Semifinalists academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.
Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The National Merit Scholarship Corp. is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. It was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Scholarships are underwritten by the corporation with its own funds and by approximately 420 business organizations and higher education institutions.